Nigerian soldiers have reportedly rescued six persons who were abducted by unknown gunmen in Ekiti state.
It was gathered from NAN that the abducted persons were rescued when the gunmen engaged the soldiers in a shootout at two different locations in Ayebode and Ilasa communities in Ikole LGA of Ekiti state.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on Thursday and led to the desertion of the Ayedun-Ilasa-Ayebode highway for several hours.
The soldiers were said to have foiled two earlier kidnap attempts, which led to the rescue of the six victims.
However, three other passengers travelling from Ayedun-Ekiti to Ilasa-Ekiti were later abducted by gunmen.
An eyewitness said the three persons abducted by the gunmen were travelling along the Ayedun-Ilasa road, when the attackers started shooting.
“Those who escaped the scene quickly called the nearby army post and the troops responded swiftly,” the eyewitness said.
“Two of the occupants of a vehicle that forcefully escaped the scene were hit by bullets and sustained fractures in their legs, while their car was riddled with bullets.
“The soldiers succeeded in pursuing the kidnappers into the bush, but I don’t think they were able to apprehend any of them.
“It was sporadic shooting for some minutes as the soldiers engaged the kidnappers. The soldiers acted gallantly, but the kidnappers escaped into the bush through a secondary school in Ilasa.
“I think another gang surfaced on Ayedun-Ilasa road and kidnapped three persons as they escaped into the bush.”
The shootout between the soldiers and gunmen was said to have forced motorists to take detours to prevent being hit by bullets.
Confirming the incident on Friday, Sunday Abutu, the state police spokesman, said the combined forces of security operatives led to the rescue of six captives.
“The information we heard was that four persons were abducted,” he said.
“Security operatives responded swiftly to the situation and rescued six persons.
“We have begun investigation and we will try and ensure that the abductees are brought back safe and sound.”
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