According to Daily Trust, the abduction and subsequent rescue of 13 wedding guests in Kwara State highlight the persistent security challenges in the region and the importance of coordinated efforts to address them.
The incident occurred over the weekend at Obbo-Ayegunle in Ekiti Local Government Area, where the victims, traveling from Kogi State, were ambushed by gunmen. Following the kidnapping, the abductors contacted the families of the victims, demanding a ransom of N100 million for their release.
Efforts to rescue the victims were spearheaded by the chairman of Oke-Ero Local Government, Hon. James Fidipe, in collaboration with the police, vigilantes, and local hunters. Traditional rulers also played a crucial role in supporting these efforts. The collaborative approach involved tracing the abductors to an uncompleted building located at Ero Omola Resort in Oke-Ero. This meticulous search led to the successful rescue of all 13 victims without any ransom payment being made.
The victims were promptly taken to a cottage hospital for medical examinations to ensure their well-being. After receiving care, they were reunited with their families in time for the festive period. This outcome brought relief to the affected families and underscored the effectiveness of community-driven interventions in addressing kidnapping cases in the state.
Communities in Kwara South, which have been heavily affected by incidents of kidnapping, continue to face significant security challenges. Local government authorities, in partnership with security agencies and traditional institutions, have intensified efforts to combat this menace. Initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration between all stakeholders are being prioritized to ensure the safety and security of residents.
The rescue operation demonstrated the critical role of local hunters and vigilante groups in providing support to law enforcement agencies. Their intimate knowledge of the terrain and commitment to protecting their communities have proven invaluable in tackling criminal activities. This synergy between formal and informal security structures has shown promise in curbing kidnapping in the region.
Moving forward, the leadership of Oke-Ero Local Government and other affected areas remain committed to working closely with the government and stakeholders to address the root causes of insecurity. Strengthening community vigilance and fostering proactive measures will be essential in ensuring a sustainable solution to kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
Hon Fadipe, who was part of the rescue efforts, confirmed the incident and said, “Thirteen victims were involved including five from my council. After their kidnapping in Ekiti Local Government, we swung into action with the assistance of the police, vigilantes and traditional rulers.
Although they demanded ransom, the good thing is that we didn’t pay a dime. They were later traced to an uncompleted building at Ero Omola Resort in Oke-Ero. They were taken to cottage hospital for checks and later reunited with their families for the festive period.”
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