By The TopNewsng
Confusion brewed up at a troubled spot between Ikere and Iju, a border town on the fringe of Ondo State when some unknown gunmen opened fire on passengers travelling along Ado–Akure Road.
The travellers escaped being killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers who attacked their vehicle along the Ado–Akure highway.
According to reports gathered by TopNewsng, gun-wielding attackers numbering about seven ambushed the commercial vehicle heading towards Akure at a section between Ikere-Ekiti and Iju in Ondo state.
One of the victims who spoke from the hospital bed while receiving treatment from the gunshot wounds at a tertiary institution in the state said, the incident happened at about 6pm on Monday.
He added that the gunmen emerged from the bush and opened fire on the vehicle with six passengers on board travelling to Akure, Ondo state capital from Ado-Ekiti.
According to him, while three persons escaped from the scene with gunshots wound, three other passengers were allegedly taken into the bearby bush by the gunmen.
He said, ”When I closed from the office in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, I boarded a commercial vehicle from Ado to Akure. Between Ikere and Iju, the kidnappers waylaid and started shooting at us. I and two others managed to escape but with several wounds and others taken away.
“I am at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti receiving treatment from the several wounds I sustained.”
When contacted by TopNewsng Correspondent, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Sunday Abutu confirmed the attack on the travellers, however, said it was an attempted armed robbery.
The PPRO said investigations have commenced ascertaining whether any of the travellers were kidnapped by the gunmen, and added those injured were receiving treatment in the hospital.
Abutu said, ”It was not a kidnapping incident, though we are still investigating the attack because we are looking at an attempted armed robbery.
”Those that were affected are receiving treatment in the hospital and investigation has commenced as directed by the commissioner of Police, CP Dare Ogundare to ensure that those who perpetrated the act are brought to book.
”About three persons were injured in the attack and we have not gotten a report of any of the travellers kidnapped. If there is any further development, I will get back to you.” Abutu stated.
