Nine pipo wey suspected terrorists bin take don dey rescued, and three bandits dem don kill for joint security operation for Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to statement wey the Chief Press Secretary to Ekiti Local Government Council Chairman, Prince Dada Sunday, make available, the rescue operation happen for Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA wey dey border Ekiti State and Niger State.
Di operation na Kwara State-recruited Forest Guards, plus operatives of Department of State Services, DSS, local hunters, and vigilantes, dem do am.
Security sources say the victims dem bin take from Eju community wey dey after local market, and dem dey move dem through bush go Niger State before security team intercept dem.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, say the attack happen around 4:57 pm. “Men come from nowhere, put gun for my head. Four of them take me and my son. Fear catch me, I fall ground. Dem also take my friend motorcycle and kidnap us,” Muazu tell reporters.
Another rescued farmer, Ibrahim Danga, also of Obbo Aiyegunle, confirm say dem hold dem small time before security forces arrive.
Owolabi Adebayo, wey be member of Kwara Forest Guards, say the team don dey do intelligence-driven bush combing when dem encounter the terrorists. “We neutralise three of them and rescue nine pipo. One victim dey receive treatment for injury,” Adebayo tok.
He add say the bandit dem get better weapon. “There is no type of firearm wey no dey their hand. We need more equipment like body armor, binoculars, night goggles, walkie-talkies and more ammunition to confront dem.”
The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti LGA, Agbemuko Gabriel, commend the forest guards for their effort. “Wetin dem do for us two days ago, na dem help us rescue those pipo wey dem kidnap along Ora-Yetoro axis. Dem don dey do enough security and intelligence work for us, and we happy for that,” Gabriel talk.
Footage from the scene show security operatives with plenty motorcycles wey dem recover from bandits, while the nine rescued pipo dem parade.
Di development come as Federal Government dey move to strengthen fight against banditry and kidnapping. Dem also disclose say new Army battalion don dey approved for Umaro for Kwara South to boost security operations for di area.
Authorities say bush combing and joint patrols go continue for Kwara South and border communities to stop more attacks on farming communities.
