Four travellers were kidnapped by suspected gunmen in Irele-Ekiti, Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State.
The victims were kidnapped around 11 a.m. on Sunday while on their way to Ibadan, Oyo state capital, after attending an event in Kogi state the previous weekend, according to community sources.
It was also reported that the four travellers were kidnapped by seven gun-wielding assailants on the road between Irele-Ekiti and OkeAko and taken to the forest.
The sources revealed, ” The four persons kidnapped were coming from an event in Kogi and returning to Ibadan when they were attacked along the Irele-Ekiti and OkeAko road.
“We have not heard anything from the gunmen since yesterday (Sunday) and we are hoping they will get in touch with their families, possibly for ransom.”
Chief Kehinde Abejide, a community leader in Irele-Ekiti who confirmed the abduction, lamented the area’s constant attack by gunmen, calling on the government to beef up security in the axis.
Abejide, the Akogun of Ikere-Ekiti, urged the state’s new governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to persuade the military to provide an army outpost to protect the area from roving gunmen.
He stated, “We have been crying and pleading with the government to help us in this area but it appears nothing is happening to look at the recurring incidents in the communities.
Even though we made local arrangements here relating to security, it can never be enough to confront these people.
“These four people were going to Ibadan and they were attacked and kidnapped on Sunday morning and we have not heard anything since they were taken into the forest.
“Let me call on the governor of Ekiti to do something urgently on the issue of security before our people will be wiped out in the entire communities in Ajoni LCDA.
“There is a need for a military post between Irele and OkeAko which will help to forestall any possible attack by this gunmen because it appears they are taking advantage of the poor security arrangements here.”
When contacted, Brigadier General Joe Komolafe (retd), the Amotekun corps commander, confirmed the incident, saying, “operatives of the corps are combing the forest in the area towards rescuing the victims.”
