Gunmen abduct Police Officer in Kwara, authorities launch rescue mission

Gunmen have kidnapped a police officer, Ezra John, in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. John, who serves at the Lade Division, was abducted in the early hours of Thursday while returning from official duty at the Patigi General Hospital to his base in Lade.

The attack occurred along the Patigi–Lade road, a route notorious for repeated criminal activities, heightening fear among residents. His motorcycle was later discovered abandoned by the roadside.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said tactical teams had been deployed to track down the kidnappers and secure John’s release.

“We have activated tactical teams to go find him. We are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure he is safely rescued and the perpetrators brought to book,” she said. Ejire-Adeyemi also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

The abduction comes days after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq vowed that no part of the state would be safe for criminal elements. Speaking after a security council meeting, he assured that security forces were committed to flushing out kidnappers and restoring peace.

“To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice,” the governor warned.