An elderly man from Komu community in Oyo State has made an emotional appeal to authorities to release a group of hunters who were arrested while allegedly attempting to assist in a rescue operation following a recent kidnapping incident in the area.
Details of the Incident
According to the elderly man, local hunters and vigilantes mobilized immediately after some residents were kidnapped. They pursued the abductors into the bush in a bid to rescue the victims. During the operation, the hunters became concerned that their ammunition was running low after exchanging gunfire with the kidnappers. One of them reportedly returned to an area with network coverage to inform the community and request additional ammunition.
The man stated that some hunters were then dispatched on motorcycles to deliver the ammunition to those involved in the rescue mission. However, they were allegedly intercepted and arrested by police officers along the way.
Successful Rescue
While the rescue operation was ongoing, the hunters successfully recovered the kidnapped victims and returned to the community, where residents celebrated their arrival. It was only later that they discovered missed calls regarding the arrested hunters. When community members returned the calls, they were informed that the men had been detained and subsequently transferred to Ibadan.
Appeal for Investigation and Release
The elderly man appealed to the police and government authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. He urged that if the arrested men are found to be innocent and were genuinely acting in support of the rescue effort, they should be released immediately. He warned that punishing people who respond to emergencies could discourage others from coming to the aid of their communities during future security threats.
