A tragic kidnapping incident occurred in Ekiti State on Sunday night when gunmen ambushed a bus traveling from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Ado-Ekiti. The attackers took several passengers, including the bus driver, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel, into the bush and demanded ₦30 million ransom for each victim.

In a surprising twist, the gunmen left behind some children who were on the bus. The children’s cries caught the attention of passersby early the next morning, leading them to alert the police.

According to a member of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the kidnappers called the family of the driver and demanded the ransom. The kidnappers promised to call again, but no further communication has been made. The children left behind were spotted by farmers, who quickly informed the authorities.

Two of the kidnapped victims managed to escape while being moved into the bush. Efforts to reach the Ekiti police for comments on the situation were unsuccessful.

This kidnapping has raised concerns about security in Ekiti and the wider region. Local unions are discussing ways to address these threats and ensure the safety of travelers.