Gunmen abduct commuters in Kwara, multiple kidnappings reported
Gunmen on Friday reportedly kidnapped several commuters traveling along the highway near Eleyin village, Isanlu-Isin, within the Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack occurred around 5:45 PM when armed individuals blocked the road and forced occupants from two vehicles into the forest.
The victims were traveling in Honda and Toyota vehicles, and their whereabouts remained unknown shortly after the incident.
Kwara State has recently experienced a surge in kidnapping incidents involving armed assailants targeting commuters.
These events have raised significant concerns regarding public safety and the effectiveness of local law enforcement in combating such crimes.
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The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that a joint operation involving military personnel and local vigilantes led to the rescue of two victims identified as Ganiyu Ajayi and Kolawole Adeyemi.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining victims while also apprehending those responsible for these abductions.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern in Kwara State, where multiple kidnappings have occurred within a short timeframe. Just days before this event, on April 19, 2025, seven passengers were abducted from a Toyota Sienna vehicle on Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road while traveling from Abuja to Offa.
In that case, three children who were with their parents were spared by the kidnappers and later reported the incident to authorities.
The police spokesperson emphasized that following these incidents, there has been an increase in security measures across affected areas. This includes aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at preventing further occurrences of such crimes.
In response to these alarming events, local law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to ensure public safety.
The Commissioner of Police for Kwara State urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information that could assist in combating crime.
Additionally, community engagement with local vigilante groups has been highlighted as a crucial component in enhancing security measures.
The recent spate of kidnappings is related to security challenges faced by various regions in Nigeria. Authorities are under pressure to develop effective strategies to address these threats while ensuring the safety of citizens.
