The Kwara State Police Command has begun a manhunt following the abduction of two senior local government officials and five others along the Omu-Aran/Ilorin Road on Friday.
Among those kidnapped are Elizabeth Arinde, Head of Legal Services at Oke-Ero Local Government, and the Director of Personnel Management, whose identity was yet to be confirmed at the time of filing this report.
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said in a statement on Saturday that five armed men blocked two private vehicles at Eleyin village, Isanlu-Isin, around 5:45 p.m. and forcefully took all occupants into the bush.
A combined team of police operatives, soldiers, and local vigilantes launched an immediate rescue operation, successfully freeing two victims, Ganiyu Ajayi and Kolawole Adeyemi. Rescue efforts for the remaining five captives are still ongoing.
The police confirmed that security operations had been intensified across the area with aggressive bush combing, strategic patrols, and intelligence-driven activities to prevent further attacks.
The command urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative by providing credible information to security agencies.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin branch, has confirmed that Arinde, a member of the association, is among those still missing. NBA Chairman, S.M.H. Kosemani, issued a public notice calling for widespread circulation of Arinde’s details to support the rescue mission.
Friday’s attack comes less than a week after seven passengers were kidnapped along the Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in Ekiti Local Government Area.
In that incident, three children were abandoned while their parents remain unaccounted for.
The police stated that operations are ongoing in both kidnapping cases and reiterated their commitment to fighting crimes across Kwara State.
Residents have been advised to promptly report suspicious movements to the authorities.