BEVERLY HILLS, June 10, (THEWILL) – A combined team of soldiers and police operatives have rescued a petrol dealer, his wife and eight others from kidnappers in Ekiti.
The petro dealer identified as Mr. D. Alalade, manager of one of the outlets of BOVAS Petroleum and Gas Limited in Ekiti State, and his wife were seized at about 4.00 pm at a location between Erik and Economic by gunmen wearing military camouflage.
The abductors had requested for N20 million ransom from the oil dealer, which they later reduced to N15 million.
The soldiers and men of the Operation Flush from Ekiti State Command were said to have invaded the expansive forest where they were held hostage.
A statement yesterday by Assistant Army Public Relations Officer, Major Ojo Adenegan, said the rescue operation was carried out after an exchange of gunfire between the soldiers and kidnappers.
“The troops of 32 Artillery Brigade in continuation of its clearance operations at various flash and black spots in Ekiti State have rescued ten kidnapped victims inside a forest at Erio – Efon Alaaye road.
“The victims were kidnapped on their way to Ado Ekiti from Efon Alaaye in two commercial buses at different points.
“The information got to our troops who were on intensive patrol where they quickly responded by combing the forest and had exchange of fire between our troop and the kidnappers who later fled as a result of fire power against the kidnappers.
“The ten victims who were at the kidnappers’ hostage were rescued safely without any injury.
“Men of the Nigeria police from Efon Alaaye also participated in the operation.
“The victims have been handed over to the Nigeria Police at Ekiti State Command.”
