Gunmen on Saturday abducted three travellers in Emure, Ekiti State, PUNCH Metro gathered on Sunday.
The attackers also killed Taiwo Oluwole, the husband of one of the captives.
According to security sources, who pleaded anonymity, the incident occurred around 5:30 PM near Oyimo River, along Emure-Supare Road in Emure.
Some pupils of Apostolic Faith Children School were kidnapped at the same spot in January.
Mrs Atinuke, wife of a retiree, Albert Adanikin, was also kidnapped on July 13 this year in the same area.
Sources told PUNCH Metro that Oluwole and his wife were returning to Akure after attending a family event in Emure when their vehicle, a Toyota Camry, was ambushed.
Oluwole was hit by the bullet, and his wife, along with two other occupants of the car, was subsequently kidnapped.
One source reported, “Taiwo Oluwole was killed, while his wife and two others were taken into captivity inside the bush. He was shot while the vehicle was in motion and died instantly. His corpse has been deposited at the Emure Ekiti General Hospital.”
A resident of Emure who identified himself as Akin confirmed the incident, stating that the kidnappers had not yet contacted the family of the victim as of the time of filing this report.
He said, “The late Taiwo was returning to Akure after attending a family event in the town. He was driving his Toyota Camry when they came under heavy gunfire from the bush, killing him instantly.
“The kidnappers then took the family through the forest in the Eporo area of the town. We have not been able to speak to them, and the kidnappers have not contacted the family yet.”
The Chairman of Emure Local Government, Tosin Adedayo, confirmed the incident and stated that a joint security team had been pursuing the kidnappers since the report was made.
Adedayo said, “I am aware and have been actively involved in the rescue mission to free our people. Soldiers, policemen, and others who went after the kidnappers have not returned since yesterday. We are confident that our people will be freed.”
Emure shares a border with Supare, a community in Ondo State.
The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, did not respond to calls or messages as of the time of filing this report.
