The Ondo State Government has assured that some burial visitors kidnapped on the Owo/Benin Highways in Ifon, Ose Native Authorities Space on Saturday, could be rescued.

Addressing Authorities Home reporters on Monday, the Commissioner for Info and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, acknowledged that Ondo State would by no means be a haven for criminals, robbers and bandits.

Whereas stressing that the scene of the incident was a recognized darkish spot for criminals, she famous that the spot turned handy as a result of it allowed the abductors to strike and run again to Edo State.

“Simply earlier than nightfall on Saturday, coming from a burial, a few of our folks have been even there, with a sure Tunde Arotiba. They went for a burial at Ewato city in Esan Native Authorities of Edo State,” she mentioned.

“One of many buses, a 32-seater Coastal Bus employed from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, was attacked by suspected kidnappers.The car was ransacked, the folks have been searched, they have been dispossessed of their valuables because the assailants shot into the air, scaring them.

READ ALSO: Two killed as herders clash with Amotekun in Ondo

“They chose 18 of the passengers and marched them into the bush. A few of those who have been left behind instantly put a name to the Amotekun Corps, the Amotekun patrol males acquired to the scene inside quarter-hour and pursued the abductors.

“Amongst those that scampered into the bush, the Amotekun folks went contained in the bushes and beckoned on them to return out, seven of them have been discovered.

“Of the 11 that have been kidnapped, whereas they have been marching them into the bush, two of them escaped. Proper now as we converse, Amotekun is working with the Police, the DSS and the Nigerian Military.

“At the moment, the abductors have made contact with households of victims and they’re demanding ransom of between 3 million to 10 million. Investigation into this abduction continues,” she mentioned.

The commissioner counseled the Amotekun Corps for attending to the scene and rescuing some victims.

“I have to say once more that a whole lot of accolades ought to go to our Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his foresight, with out Amotekun Corps, what would Ondo State have been?

“This morning, I used to be with the Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, he knowledgeable me that 360 new recruits into the corps have began their coaching, that’s batch 004.

“That is along with the 350 that have been recruited in July for batch 003. Once more, on the authority of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Ondo state won’t ever be a haven for criminals, robbers, bandits, terrorists, it gained’t occur,” she mentioned.

(NAN)