Gunmen Ambush 18-Passenger Bus In Ekiti, Kidnap Travelers

Gunmen Strike 18-Passenger Bus in Ekiti, Demand N30 Million Ransom

Tragedy struck in Emure-Ile, located in Emure Local Government Area of Ekiti State, as gunmen ambushed a passenger bus late Sunday night. The travelers, en route from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, were attacked by the armed assailants.

Reports from the Ado-Ekiti branch of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) confirmed the incident. Among those abducted was the bus driver, identified as Mr. Sunday Emmanuel.

Shocking Ransom Demand

The kidnappers have demanded a hefty N30 million ransom for each passenger. The horrifying ordeal has left families of the victims in distress.

According to a source at RTEAN, the abductors contacted the driver’s family. “They called the driver’s family, and I pleaded to speak with him. After our conversation, they demanded N30 million per passenger as ransom,” the source disclosed.

Children Left Behind and Passersby to the Rescue

The attackers left behind a group of children in the bus. Their cries drew the attention of local farmers early Monday morning, who alerted the police in Emure-Owo.

Efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing. While two passengers managed to escape the ordeal, the fate of others remains uncertain.

Police Yet to Respond

Attempts to contact the Ekiti State Police Command for an official statement have so far been unsuccessful, as calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, went unanswered.

The driver’s union in Ado-Ekiti has convened a meeting to discuss how to reach out to the kidnappers and resolve the crisis.