The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, has revealed that eight out of 25 choristers from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Igan, Akure, Ondo State capital, who were kidnapped by gunmen, have escaped from their captors.
While confirming the abduction of the choir members, Adeleye said the victims escaped while they were being forcefully taken into the forest by the armed men in the Owo/Ose axis of the state.
He, however, said the remaining victims are still being held captive.
According to the Commander, the development has prompted a swift response from the security agencies in the state.
He said that the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Amotekun Corps and the Nigerian Army, have launched a joint comprehensive search operation to locate and rescue the kidnapped victims.
“The primary objective is to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the remaining captives.”
The Police spokesperson in the state added, “Eight victims have been rescued.
“Effort is on to rescue others unhurt. The rescued victims said they are members of CAC Oke Igan, Akure.
“They were on their way to a burial wake. On getting to Ajagbale via Elegbeka on the Ifon/Owo Motorway, they were accosted by five unknown gunmen who shot sporadically and forcefully took them into the bush.”
Meanwhile, report had that members of the Church, have embarked on marathon prayers for the release of the victims.
Recall that the vehicle conveying the victims was abandoned on the highway after they were marched into the thick forest by the kidnappers.
The state police command alsk confirmed the abduction of the victims.
Image maker for the command, Funmi Odunlami, said the vehicle conveying the victims with the inscription of the church, was abandoned around the Elegbeka area, in lfon.
Odunlami added, “The Police Anti kidnapping squad and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to rescue the victims and arrest all involved in the crime.”