Two persons, who were kidnapped along Igbara-Odo/Ikere-Ekiti Road on Saturday evening, have regained their freedom, PUNCH ONLINE reports.

Sources said that the victims were on their way from Igbara-Odo to Ikere-Ekiti when one of their vehicle tyres got punctured at about 7.30 pm.

A  source said, “While they were trying to fix the tyre, some unknown gunmen appeared from the bush, threatened them with guns and whisked them away to an unknown destination.”

However, the police and some non-state security forces swung into action upon learning of the development, which culminated in the release of the two victims.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, SP Sunday Abutu, who confirmed the release of the kidnapped persons, said that they were rescued by the Ekiti State Police Command Rapid Response Squad, in a joint operation with the non-state security actors.

Abutu, in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Monday, stated “Upon receipt of the information (about the kidnap), the command mobilised its operatives into the forest along that axis for their possible rescue and the arrest of the perpetrators.

“The operations eventually paid off as the operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, which forced them to escape with gunshot injuries, leaving the victims behind. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the arrest of the miscreants and other criminal elements in the state.

“The rescued victims were immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention and subsequently reunited with their family members.

“While the command will continue to prioritize the maximum safety of the residents of the state, members of the public are implored to be vigilant, and security conscious and ensure they support and collaborate with the police and other security agencies in the fight against crimes and criminality,” Abutu stated.