The Guardian (Nigeria)

Amotekunre­scues Three More Victims From Kidnappers’ Den

- From Oluwaseun Akingboye, Akure

MEN of the Ondo State Security Network, code named Amotekun, have rescued the three remaining passengers of the 12 kidnapped by unknown gunmen at Idoani/ Ifira- Akoko axis of Ondo State.

They are Miss Omolara Fajana, Mr. Benjamin Ojoga, and Mrs. Faith Sunday, who alongside nine others were kidnapped on Monday night, while heading to Lagos from Abuja.

Amotekun had earlier rescued nine passengers after a distress call, shortly after the passengers were kidnapped, with the trio: Fajana, Sunday and Ojoga only rescued on Friday night through joint efforts with other security agencies.

Recounting their experience­s, yesterday, at Amotekun Headquarte­rs, Akure, they confirmed that they were travelling to Lagos from Abuja, when the gang swooped on them, shot sporadical­ly as they were marched into the forest.

Contrary to reports that they were kidnapped on Wednesday, they disclosed that the incident happened on Monday, with the abductors forcing them to trek over three hours into the forest without food or water that night.

According to Fajana: “It was on Monday, September 6. We were coming from Abuja and after leaving Ibilo, around the bad portion; our bus got stuck at that particular place and it took us like three hours before we were able to come out.

“Shortly after, we got to Ifira- Akoko and saw another bad portion. So, the driver asked us to alight for the bus to be lighter and we all got down. As the bus drove through the muddy part of the road, we heard gunshots and everyone scattered, running from one angle to the other. Shortly after that, we saw that the bus did not stop, he kept moving, and that was how we were kidnapped.”

The state’s Amotekunco­rps Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, recounted that the victims were rescued after his men gave the kidnappers hot chase for several hours, though he said the operation was carried out with support of Department of State Security ( DSS) and Police.

 ?? PHOTO: Charles Akpeji ?? Sympathise­rs at the scene of Holy Ghost Church building collapse in Abeda Pave Community, Takum Local Council, Taraba State, where two persons died, many got injured… yesterday
PHOTO: Charles Akpeji Sympathise­rs at the scene of Holy Ghost Church building collapse in Abeda Pave Community, Takum Local Council, Taraba State, where two persons died, many got injured… yesterday

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