A couple, Mr and Mrs Sanusi Kehinde, have recounted their ordeal in the hands of suspected kidnappers before they were rescued by operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, in a swift overnight operation.
Speaking after their rescue, Mr. Kehinde said the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. when they arrived at their residence in Ilu-Abo community and were ambushed by armed men who had laid siege to their home.
According to him, the kidnappers dragged them into the bush after attacking and assaulting them.
“We got home at Ilu-Abo and unknown to us, the kidnappers had already been waiting for us. As I was trying to come out of the vehicle, they attacked and abducted us,” he narrated.
He described the experience as traumatic and pathetic, noting that he suffered machete injuries and physical assault during the attack.
Kehinde, however, commended Amotekun operatives for their rapid response, revealing that his wife was rescued within minutes after the incident was reported.
“The way Amotekun acted was amazing. In less than 10 minutes, they rescued my wife. The commander himself was in the bush during the operation,” he said.
He also praised the corps for providing him medical attention at no cost after his rescue.
“They treated me at the Amotekun clinic free of charge and even served me tea and biscuits. I appreciate the corps commander, his men, and the Ondo State Government for supporting them,” he added.
Kehinde further thanked the traditional rulers of Ilu-Abo and Alayere communities, local hunters, and residents for their support throughout the rescue efforts.
His wife, Mrs. Kehinde, narrated that four armed men ambushed them shortly after they arrived in the community from Oba-Ile.
According to her, the kidnappers surrounded their vehicle from different directions and pointed a double-barrel gun at her before dispossessing them of their valuables.
“They collected my money and beat me with wood while forcing us through the bush,” she said.
She explained that while being marched through the forest, they eventually sighted local hunters and Amotekun operatives close to a road, prompting her to raise an alarm.
“That was when they rescued me and took me to the palace where I was treated at a health centre. I kept crying because I had not seen my husband, but the commander assured me that he would also be rescued,” she recounted.
Mrs. Kehinde said she spent the night praying until she received news the following morning that her husband had also been rescued safely.
She expressed appreciation to Amotekun operatives, local hunters, traditional rulers and the Ondo State Government for their efforts in securing their freedom.
