By Ismail Auwal
Security situation in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State heightened, yesterday, following the hijack of an 18-seater bus along Igboora-Eruwa road by gunmen, who abducted all passengers in the commercial bus.
According to a source, the commercial bus took off from Abeokuta and was moving to along Igboora-Eruwa road, when it was ambushed by the gunmen.
It was also reported that the kidnappers have continued to have their ways despite heavy security presence in the zone.
Another source confirmed that seven people were also kidnapped around 5 pm on Wednesday.
He said: “The rate of kidnappings in Ibarapa in the last few weeks has become worrisome. Yesterday (Wednesday) at 5.00 pm, seven persons, who were on their way to Eruwa had their vehicle stopped on the bridge and were whisked away into the kidnappers’ vehicle. This has taken a new dimension. I am greatly disturbed.
“The police are back on the road extorting money from drivers. With their presence, nothing has changed. Should we say their presence has brought the resurgence of kidnappings in the region?
“Two weeks ago, two students were kidnapped. The parents paid N1.2 million before their release. The commercial vehicle conveying the students was stopped midway.”
