Bandits Abduct Ekiti Travellers, Demand ₦30 Million Ransom

Armed bandits have kidnapped several travellers in Ekiti State and are demanding a ₦30 million ransom for their release. Authorities are working to secure their freedom amid growing concerns over security in the region.

On Sunday night, an 18-passenger vehicle headed for Ado-Ekiti was ambushed at Emure Ile by kidnappers who abducted all the passengers on board.

The incident occurred on the outskirts of Emure-Owo while the bus was returning from Onitsha.

A source from the Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal branch of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria reported that bandits have kidnapped driver Sunday Emmanuel and other passengers, demanding a ransom of N30 million for each individual.

An anonymous source disclosed that the kidnappers left several children on a bus. The children’s cries drew the attention of passersby in the early hours of Monday, and it was soon reported to the nearest police station.

The source mentioned that two passengers managed to escape during the night, before police arrived at the scene to retrieve the bus.

He stated, “They drove the bus into the bushes and dragged people inside.”

They contacted the driver’s family, and I requested to speak with the driver. After our conversation, they demanded a ransom of N30 million. They mentioned that they would call back but haven’t done so yet.

They forgot some children on the bus, and it appears that people at the farm noticed them and notified the police in Emure-Owo.

The drivers’ union in Ado-Ekiti is presently convening to discuss strategies for contacting the kidnappers.

According to the source, two of the kidnapped victims managed to escape as they were being led into the bush.