On January 31, 2025, at approximately 12:00 a.m., a group of travelers from Akwa Ibom State en route to the South-West were ambushed and abducted by gunmen along the Benin-Owo-Akure road near Ifon, in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that seven individuals were taken during this incident.
Official Confirmation and Response
The Police Public Relations Officer for the state, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, verified the occurrence, stating, “The incident happened on January 31 at about 12 a.m., and seven travelers were involved. They were coming from Akwa Ibom State on a commercial bus. Our men are already making efforts to rescue the victims from the kidnappers and arrest the perpetrators.”
Discrepancies in Victim Count
While official reports confirm seven abductees, other sources suggest that up to ten travelers may have been kidnapped. A local source indicated, “There were 10 of them (victims); they were kidnapped on the Owo-Ipele road on Saturday morning at about 12 a.m. Their vehicles were stopped, and they were dragged into the bush to an unknown destination.”
Amotekun Corps’ Efforts and Recent Arrests
In response to rising security concerns, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, has intensified its operations across the state. The Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, reported the arrest of over 300 suspected criminals in the past three months. These arrests span various offenses, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and violations of the anti-open grazing law.
Adeleye emphasized the importance of grassroots intelligence in their operations, stating, “We rely heavily on grassroots intelligence. In the last three months, we arrested and paraded over 300 suspects across approximately 15 locations in the 18 local government areas of the state.”
Regional Security Measures
To bolster security in the South-West region, Amotekun units have deployed 2,000 personnel dedicated to combating banditry and other criminal activities. In Ondo State, rangers are actively patrolling forests and border areas to deter criminal elements. Adeleye noted, “The breaches at the borders have significantly reduced due to the efforts of our rangers. They are positioned across the state’s forests to tackle any bandits.”
Community Impact and Call for Vigilance
The recent abductions have heightened concerns among residents and travelers in Ondo State. Local authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies promptly. The collaboration between security agencies and the community is deemed crucial in addressing the security challenges in the region.
Conclusion
The abduction of travelers along the Benin-Owo-Akure road underscores the persistent security challenges in Ondo State. While security agencies, including the police and Amotekun Corps, are actively working to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators, the incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation to ensure safety in the region.
