…As Three Persons Escape Abduction
By Jacob Adewale
A produce merchant, Mr. Olatunji Lawal, alongside his associate, Mr. Amoda Tijani, and their driver, narrowly escaped being kidnapped by armed bandits who opened fire on their vehicle along the Kogi–Kwara highway.
The frightening incident occurred on May 4, 2024, and resulted in the deaths of two passengers while two others sustained injuries. Reports indicate that the attackers intercepted a white Hiace bus travelling from Isanlu Makutu in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State. The assailants reportedly blocked the vehicle before firing multiple gunshots directly at the bus, which was carrying several passengers.
Shortly after the attack on the bus, the gunmen reportedly targeted another vehicle occupied by Mr. Olatunji Lawal, Mr. Amoda Tijani, and their driver. Despite being pursued and shot at by the armed attackers, the three men managed to escape abduction.
Recounting the terrifying experience, the driver explained that they were forced to abandon their vehicle and flee into a nearby forest as the bandits advanced toward them.
“They had already blocked the road and were heavily armed. They were heading directly toward us, so we had no option but to run for our lives,” the visibly distressed driver said after the incident.
Meanwhile, although some injured victims were left at the scene, the bandits reportedly abducted 12 passengers and took them into an unknown forest location.
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