Ayomidele Oluwasusi

Terrorists locally dubbed as bandits in Nigeria have killed two bus passengers and abducted several others including members of the National Youth Services Corps (NYSC), during an attack along Ifon/Owo road in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It was gathered that the passengers were travelling from the south-eastern Anambra State to Owo when the vehicle was attacked ³on Friday night. 

Among those abducted were; Adewole Paul Oluwaseun, a corps member who was returning from the NYSC camp, an eyewitness, Oluwaseun Ogunmola, told local newspaper, Daily Trust.

The authorities have confirmed the incident and said they are taking steps to address the situation.

Ogunmola told reporters that some of the passengers were heading for Owo from Anambra State when they were waylaid.

“The corps member was returning from NYSC camp in Enugu when he was kidnapped with others by the bandits. The incident has created tension in the family,” he said.

He further revealed that the bandits had contacted the family of another corps member, demanding a ransom of N30 million. It was gathered that the driver of the vehicle and a young lady sitting at the front were both hit by the bullets while attempting to escape from the kidnappers.

However, the corpses of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue of a private hospital in Ifon town.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident and said it was investigating. Spokeswoman Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya said they are are working to rescue the victims and are currently pursuing leads. 

The police spokesperson confirmed the unfortunate deaths of the driver and a passenger, the exact number of individuals taken had yet to be determined. 

“The authorities are working diligently to ensure the safe return of those involved.“We are after them. I can assure you that those kidnapped would be rescued unhurt,” Ms Odunlami-Omisanya said.

– Insecurity and violence in Nigeria –

For more than a decade, civilians in Nigeria have faced multiple security threats and risk of atrocities as result of attacks, kidnappings and extortion by various non-state armed groups.

Since the start of 2024 civilians have faced intensified violence across Nigeria, and near-daily attacks by armed groups resulting in kidnappings and other abuses against civilians.

Armed groups and gangs, including so-called “bandits,” have – for many years – perpetrated widespread atrocities, including murder, rape, kidnapping, organized cattle-rustling and plunder. Armed herdsmen are also destroying vast swaths of farmland, prompting many farmers to abandon their land out of fear of attack.

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