Suspected Kidnapper Shot Dead As Security Operatives Rescue 13 Abducted Passengers In Ondo (Photos)

Thirteen abducted victims have been rescued at Isua, headquarters of Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State by joint security operatives.

During the rescue mission, a suspected kidnapper was killed.

The 13 persons were heading to Abuja on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, when gunmen abducted and marched them into the forest.

A source said the victims were travelling in an 18-passenger bus travelling to Abuja from Lagos.

"It was like a movie when an Abuja bound bus was waylaid on Tuesday by some unknown gunmen at Isua the headquarters of Akoko South East Local Government and 13 passengers were marched them to the forest," the source said.

Security operatives, comprising men of the Amotekun Corp,  soldiers, the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were said to have  stormed the forest in a bid to rescue the victims.

It was gathered that the victims were rescued on Wednesday night, June 7, at Ikakumo area in Akoko North-East Local Government Area  a distance of almost 20 kilometers from Isua where they were picked.

The rescued victims were said to have been taken to the Isua Police Station.

Spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, who confirmed the incident said one of the kidnappers was shot dead when the security men engaged the kidnappers in a shootout.

“The victims were rescued by the joint security operation. One of them was killed during gun duel. We are on top of the situation,” the PPRO added.