Suspected kidnappers on Saturday stormed a health facility in Oke Ijebu area of Akure in the early hours of the day, abducting several staff members on duty.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers arrived at about 2:00 a.m. in a large bus and forcefully gained entry into the health centre located opposite Mega School.
The assailants reportedly whisked away six health workers, including interns, to an unknown destination.
A patient at the facility, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen operated for several minutes without resistance before fleeing the scene with their victims.
The development has thrown residents of the area into panic, with growing calls for urgent intervention to secure the release of the abducted workers.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, says it has rescued five persons in two separate overnight operations within Akure South Local Government Area.
The Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the development, stating that a 45-year-old man and his 15-year-old son were abducted at Pelebe, along the Oda-Akure Road, between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
According to him, the victims were rescued at about 1:00 a.m. by the Rapid Response Squad of the corps after a confrontation with the kidnappers.
Adeleye further disclosed that three health workers, earlier abducted at Oke Ijebu clinic, regained their freedom at about 4:30 a.m. and are currently receiving treatment at an Amotekun medical facility.
He reassured residents that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority for the state government, urging members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The twin incidents underscore growing security concerns in parts of Ondo State, particularly within Akure and its environs, as residents continue to call for intensified surveillance and rapid response to criminal activities.
