Ekiti Kidnapping Incident: Gunmen Abduct Bus Passengers, Seek N30 Million Ransom
Kidnappers ambushed an 18-passenger bus bound for Ado-Ekiti on Sunday night at Emure Ile, abducting all passengers on board. The incident occurred on the outskirts of Emure-Owo as the vehicle was returning from Onitsha.
According to a source at the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal branch, the bandits also kidnapped the driver, Sunday Emmanuel, demanding a ransom of N30 million per victim.
The source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the kidnappers left some children on the bus. Their cries reportedly attracted passersby in the early hours of Monday, leading to a report being filed at the nearest police station.
"They drove the bus into the bush and dragged the passengers into the forest," the source said. "The kidnappers contacted the driver’s family, and I was able to speak with him briefly. They demanded N30 million ransom per person and promised to call back, but we haven't heard from them again."
The source further revealed that two passengers managed to escape during the night, and police later arrived at the scene to recover the abandoned bus.
"Some children were left on the bus, and it appears that people working on nearby farms found them and alerted the police in Emure-Owo. The driver’s union in Ado-Ekiti is currently holding a meeting to strategize on how to engage with the kidnappers," the source added.
Police efforts to locate and rescue the remaining victims are ongoing.
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