A heartwarming rescue operation took place in Kwara State, where a combined team of security outfits successfully rescued a two-year-old child and 11 market women from their kidnappers. The incident occurred when the market women were returning from the market and were waylaid and abducted by kidnappers near Oyi bridge in Yaaru/Olayinka village along the Ajase-ipo/Oke-Ode road. The state police command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the rescue operation and stated that all the victims, including the child, were rescued by the security team.
According to Ejire-Adeyemi, the security team combed the forest in search of the kidnapped victims, and they were able to locate and rescue them. She further added that some of the victims who sustained injuries during the rescue operation were taken to the General Hospital in Share, Ifelodun Local Government Area, where they received treatment and have since been discharged.
Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, the Coordinator of Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch, commended the joint security team for their efforts in rescuing all the kidnapped individuals from the gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. Oyin-Zubair highlighted the gallantry and steadfastness of the hunters and vigilantes involved in the successful rescue operation. He stated that through their spontaneous efforts, nine of the abductees were freed just a day after the incident. The rescue team, comprising hunters, vigilantes, and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Police Force, continued their search until the remaining victims were rescued.
It is worth noting that no ransom was offered for the release of any of the abductees, despite persistent demands from the kidnappers. The success of the rescue mission was attributed to intelligence gathering, which provided vital information about the possible location of the bandits. This information enabled the security team to carry out a successful attack and secure the release of the victims. Oyin-Zubair expressed his gratitude to all those who supported the operation, including the state Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, the Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, the Military Commander, and the TIC Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government.
The rescue operation serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between uniformed and traditional security agencies to combat banditry and ensure the safety of the people. Oyin-Zubair emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation to flush out the bandits not only in Kwara South but also in the entire state.
As the rescued individuals reunite with their families and recover from their traumatic experience, the successful operation brings hope and reassurance to the community. The efforts and dedication of the security team involved in the rescue operation are commendable and deserve recognition. The state government and relevant authorities must continue to prioritize the safety and security of the people, taking proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The residents of Kwara State and the country at large are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. By working together, communities and security agencies can create a safer environment for everyone.
