7 Kidnap Victims Rescued in Kwara After Gun Battle

Security officers in Kwara State have rescued seven people who were kidnapped, after a gunfight with armed bandits in a forest near Owa-Onire.

The rescue happened on Wednesday and was led by an officer from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), working with police and local vigilantes.

According to police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the rescue team went into the forest after ongoing efforts that started following bandit attacks on Tuesday in Motokun and Agboro communities in Patigi Local Government Area.

“During the operation, the kidnappers opened fire on the security team, which led to a serious gun battle. The bandits were forced to run deeper into the forest, leaving their victims behind. All seven kidnapped people were rescued safely,” she said in a statement on Thursday.

She also said that one vigilante was injured by a gunshot during the operation but is now recovering.

The rescued victims are:

• Adam Khadijat (23), from Oko
• Mamud Miriam (24), from Oko
• Mumini Ahmed (17), from Oko
• Hamadu Haruna (44), from Ajase-Ipo
• Afusatu Alhaji Ladan and her 9-month-old son Usman, from Omu-Aran
• Abibat Umaru (16), from Oke-Ode

All of them have been questioned by the authorities and reunited with their families.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, praised the bravery and determination of the rescue team. He promised that the police, along with other security agencies, will continue to go after criminals hiding in the forests until kidnappers and bandits are completely dealt with.

The police also called on residents to stay calm, remain alert, and share useful and timely information with security agencies to help fight crime.

Source: Premium Times