Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Thursday in Ekiti engaged soldiers in a shootout in Ayebode and Ilasa communities in Ikole local government area of the state

Police spokesperson for the state, Sunday Abutu, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, said the gunmen abducted three persons during the confrontation.

He said the combined forces of the military and the police rescued six other captives from the gunmen.

“The information we heard was that four persons were abducted. Security operatives responded swiftly to the situation and rescued six persons.

“We have begun an investigation and we will try to ensure that the abductees are brought back safe and sound,” the police spokesperson said.

It was gathered that though the soldiers foiled kidnap attempts in the two communities, three commuters were later picked up by the gunmen as they escaped into the bush.

Those kidnapped were held at Ayedun-Ekiti, a town near Ayebode-Ekiti where soldiers had earlier botched a kidnap attempt.

The Thursday incident, which eyewitnesses said occurred around 10:00 a.m., led to desertion of the Ayedun-Ilasa-Ayebode Highway for several hours.

(NAN)