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Gunmen believed to be kidnappers ambushed an 18-passenger bus traveling to Ado-Ekiti at Emure Ile, taking all passengers hostage.
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The incident took place on Sunday night near the border of Ekiti and Ondo states as the bus returned from Onitsha. According to a source from the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at the Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal, the assailants also abducted the bus driver, Sunday Emmanuel, and are demanding a ransom of N30 million for each victim.
The source, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that some children were left abandoned on the bus, and their cries drew the attention of passersby early the next morning. This led to a report being made to the nearest police station.
The source further noted that two passengers managed to escape before police arrived to secure the bus. “They took the bus into the bush and pulled people out. They contacted the driver’s family and I was able to speak with him, after which they demanded a ransom of N30 million. They mentioned they would call back, but we have not heard anything since,” the source said.
“While they left some children on the bus, it seems nearby farm workers heard their cries and alerted the police in Emure-Owo. The driver’s union in Ado-Ekiti is currently holding discussions on how to communicate with the kidnappers.”
At the time of this report, the Ekiti State police command had not yet responded, as their spokesperson could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, the family of the kidnapped driver informed Vanguard that they have not heard back from the abductors following their initial ransom demand. A family member, who also preferred anonymity, stated that the bus driver’s union in Ado-Ekiti had been informed about the incident.
“The union said they are trying to make calls to negotiate the ransom, but so far, I haven’t heard anything from the kidnappers after their initial contact. The union met again today to discuss how to approach the negotiations,” the family source revealed.
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