’11 abducted’ as gunmen attack bus conveying travellers in Ondo

At least eleven travellers have been reportedly abducted on the Benin-Owo expressway in Ifon, headquarters of Ose LGA in Ondo state.

The incident was said to have occurred on Saturday.

According to a relative of one of the victims, the occupants of the vehicle were travelling in a bus from Benin to Ondo state, and were on their way back from a burial ceremony.

“On getting to Ifon area, the hoodlums ambushed and whisked all the occupants of the vehicle into the bush,” the relative said.

“All the occupants of the vehicle were kidnapped since yesterday and nobody has heard anything about them since then.”

Confirming the incident on Sunday, Funmilayo Odunlami, the police public relations officer (PPRO), Ondo state command, said security operatives are conducting a search-and-rescue operation for the abductees.

“Yesterday evening, the Police received an information that a Coaster Bus was attacked at Omi-Alafa area, along Owo/Ifon road, and 11 people were suspected to have been abducted,” the statement reads.

“The Police and the Army moved to the scene, combed the area for possible rescue of victims.

“One of the rescued victims is helping the Police with necessary information.  Men of the anti-kidnapping squad and other tactical teams are in the area to rescue other victims unhurt and arrest the assailants.”