In a chilling incident, gunmen intercepted an 18-passenger bus en route to Ado-Ekiti on Sunday night, abducting all passengers and the driver near Emure Ile, on the outskirts of Emure-Owo. The vehicle, reportedly returning from Onitsha, was forced off the road, and the victims were dragged into a nearby forest.
According to a source within the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal branch, the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of ₦30 million per victim.
“The abductors contacted the driver’s family, and I spoke briefly with him. They demanded ₦30 million for each person and promised to call back, but there has been no further communication,” the source, who requested anonymity, disclosed.
The attackers reportedly left several children in the vehicle. Their cries early Monday morning drew the attention of passersby, who alerted authorities. Two passengers managed to escape during the night, while police recovered the abandoned bus.
“Farmworkers in the vicinity found the stranded children and informed the police in Emure-Owo. The driver’s union in Ado-Ekiti has convened a meeting to discuss strategies for engaging with the kidnappers,” the source added.
Local police have launched a search-and-rescue operation to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. Efforts to secure the safe return of the abductees remain underway, with authorities urging the public to report any suspicious activity.
This incident underscores the persistent security challenges faced by travelers across Nigeria’s highways. As investigations continue, families of the victims remain hopeful for their loved ones’ safe release.
