Some gunmen and soldiers on Thursday exchanged gunfire at Ayebode, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, after the abduction of three commuters at Ayedun Ekiti.
The incident, according to sources occurred around 10:00 am, leading to desertion of the Ayedun-Ilasa-Ayebode highway for several hours due to fear of attack.
An eyewitness, who was also a victim, revealed to journalists in Ado Ekiti that the soldiers engaged the bandits at two different locations; Ayebode and Ilasa, and pursued them into the bush to ensure that their operations were foiled.
He disclosed that three commuters coming from Ayedun-Ekiti to Ilasa were unfortunately abducted by gunmen after escaping from the soldiers.
He said those who fell victim were traveling along Ayebode- Ilasa road before the gunmen started shooting and those who escaped the scene quickly called the Army, who responded immediately.
Two of the occupants of the vehicle that forcefully escaped were said to have been hit by bullets and sustained fractures in their legs, while their car was riddled with bullets.
The source added that although the soldiers succeeded in pursuing the kidnappers into the bush, none was apprehended.
“It was sporadic shootings as the soldiers engaged the kidnappers. The soldiers acted gallantly, but the kidnappers escaped through a secondary school in Ilasa into the bush. But another gang resurfaced between Ayedun-Ilasa road and kidnapped three persons.
“A driver carrying some passengers who wanted to escape by force had his car shot and two persons sustained fractures in their legs.
“Many people could have been kidnapped if not for the quick intervention of the soldiers, but three were taken away”, he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, ASP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident, saying four persons were abducted during the operation.
Abutu stated that the combined forces of the military men and the police rescued six men from the gunmen.
“The information we heard was that four persons were abducted. But the security men responded swiftly to the situation and rescued six. We have begun an investigation and we will try and ensure that the abductees are brought back safe and sound”, he said.