Gunmen abduct four travellers in Ekiti

Gunmen have reportedly abducted four travellers along the Ekiti-Oke Ako highway in Ajoni local council development area (LCDA) of Ekiti state.

The travellers were said to be returning to Ibadan, the Oyo capital, after attending an event in Kogi.

A source told NAN that the travellers were abducted on Sunday.

“The four persons kidnapped were returning from an event in Kogi to Ibadan along the Irele Ekiti and Oke Ako road,” NAN quoted the source as saying.

“We have not heard anything from the gunmen since yesterday and we are hoping they will get in touch with their families, possibly for ransom.”

According to NAN, Kehinde Abejide, a community leader in Irele-Ekiti, condemned the incident and urged Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti, to take measures to improve security in the community.

“These four people were returning to Ibadan when they were attacked and kidnapped on Sunday morning, and we have not heard anything since they were taken into the forest,” Abejide said.

“We have been crying and pleading with government to help us in this area, but it appears nothing is happening, especially when you consider the recurring incidents in the community.

“Though we have in the past made local arrangements here relating to security, it can never be enough to confront these people.

“Let me call on the governor of Ekiti to do something urgently on insecurity before our people in the entire communities in Ajoni LCDA are wiped out.

“There is the need for a military post between Irele and Oke Ako, which will help to forestall any possible attack by these gunmen because it appears they are taking advantage of the poor security arrangements here.”

Sunday Abutu, police spokesperson in Ekiti, said he will comment on the incident when he gets more details.