Gunmen have again struck in Ondo State, abducting no fewer than three health workers during an attack on a Primary Health Centre facility in Akure, the state capital, in the early hours of Saturday.
The attack was said to have occurred around 2:00 a.m., throwing residents into panic and heightening concerns over insecurity in the area.
According to a patient who witnessed the incident, the assailants arrived in a large bus, forced their way into the facility and whisked away health workers, including some interns.
The victims were reportedly bundled into the bus before the attackers fled the scene.
Confirming the incident the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, confirmed that three of the abducted health workers have been rescued in a separate overnight operation conducted in Akure South Local Government Area.
The Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the rescued health workers regained their freedom around 4:30 a.m. following coordinated operations by the corps.
He added that they are currently receiving treatment at the Amotekun medical facility, while efforts are ongoing to rescue other possible victims and track the suspects.
”Three health workers earlier abducted in a separate incident also regained their freedom at about 4:30 a.m. and are currently receiving treatment at our facility,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the victims, Omolabake Kayode, a nurse at the health centre gave a chilling account of how the attack unfolded during her night duty around 2:00 a.m.
She said the incident began when she responded to what she thought was a patient arriving at the facility, following the normal routine of opening the door after a knock from the security post.
According to her, immediately she opened the door, she was grabbed by the attackers and dragged outside, where he was interrogated and threatened her.
She further narrated that the gunmen invaded the ward, causing panic as other staff members attempted to escape or hide inside the toilet, but were later dragged out, beaten, and had their phones seized.
She narrated, “When we got to the ward, the others ran for their lives. Some hid inside the toilet, but they dragged them out, collected their phones, and beat them.
”On our way, they had not collected my phone yet. When we got outside, they told me to go back and bring my phone. I brought it, and they packed us into a vehicle.
”I don’t know the type of vehicle they used. They took us into a bush and told us to lie down. They started asking for our bank codes and banking app details, and they transferred all my money.
”We were three victims. They transferred everything from all our accounts. They collected our phones, naked us and warned us not to raise our heads, saying they would kill us.
”After a while, they drove off and left us in the bush. my shirt fell off, so I picked it and wore it. We were very scared for our lives. After waiting for some time, we walked to the main road and then to the correctional centre, where we reported.
They later contacted Amotekun, and we were rescued.”
Following this, the Ondo State Police Command says it has intensified patrols and security operations following the attack at the health centre.
The Command said tactical and surveillance teams have been deployed to track the suspects, while working with other security agencies and local vigilantes to ensure their arrest.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, assured residents of continued efforts to maintain security and urged the public to remain calm and report suspicious activities
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