Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted seven travelers near the Ipele community along the Owo-Benin highway in Ondo State, Nigeria.
The victims were reportedly traveling from a South-South state to Akure, the Ondo State capital, when the attack occurred over the weekend. While initial reports on the number of abducted individuals varied, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that seven people were taken.
Police spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami stated that law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt for the assailants and are working to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, have arrested 28 suspects across the state for various crimes. Among them is a 55-year-old serial rapist, Ayodele Ijidakinro, who recently completed a three-year prison sentence for a similar offense.
Addressing journalists at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure, the corps commander, Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that 24 suspects were apprehended for different criminal offenses, including herder-farmer clashes and kidnapping.
Three suspected kidnappers—identified as Akpan, Alimi, and Emmanuel—were arrested in Akure, Emure, and Upeme-Owo, respectively. Other suspects paraded include a fraudster specializing in ATM scams, a gang involved in conspiracy and rape, burglars, and individuals caught stealing mobile phones and motorcycles.
Security agencies have assured residents of intensified efforts to combat criminal activities and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
