Gunmen Abduct Six Health Workers In Akure Raid As Amotekun Rescues Three In Overnight Operation

Gunmen Abduct Six Health Workers In Akure Raid As Amotekun Rescues Three In Overnight Operation

A late-night attack on a health facility in Akure, Ondo State, has sparked fresh concern over the safety of medical personnel after suspected gunmen abducted six health workers in a coordinated operation, with security forces managing to rescue three victims hours later.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at a health centre in Okeijebu area of Akure, Ondo State, where eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in a bus around 2:00 a.m. and carried out a swift raid. According to accounts from individuals at the scene, the assailants forced their way into the facility, overpowered staff on night duty, and selected six health workers, including interns, before fleeing.

A patient who escaped described the attack as rapid and highly coordinated, leaving little room for resistance. The witness said the gunmen acted with precision, rounding up the targeted individuals within minutes and transporting them to an unknown destination.

Stone Reporters note that the targeting of a healthcare facility marks a troubling escalation in criminal tactics, as such locations are typically regarded as protected civilian spaces. The abduction of health workers not only endangers lives but also disrupts essential services, particularly during overnight operations when staffing is already limited.

In response, the Amotekun Corps launched an overnight operation across Akure South, leading to the rescue of three of the abducted health workers. The Ondo State Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed that the rescued victims are currently receiving medical care at the corps’ health facility in Akure.

The operation extended beyond the hospital incident. Earlier that same evening, two other victims—a 45-year-old man and his 15-year-old son—had been abducted along the Pelebe axis on the Oda-Akure road between approximately 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. They were later rescued around 1:00 a.m. by the Rapid Response Squad following a confrontation with the kidnappers.

Stone Reporters note that the timing of both incidents suggests a broader wave of coordinated criminal activity within the Akure South area, raising concerns about the operational capacity and movement of armed groups within the region. However, there is no confirmed evidence at this stage that both abductions were carried out by the same group.

As of the time of reporting, three of the abducted health workers remain in captivity, with their whereabouts unknown. Security agencies are expected to intensify search efforts, particularly in surrounding forests and known hideouts used by kidnappers.

The Ondo State Police Command has yet to release an official statement on the hospital attack, leaving several key questions unanswered, including the identity of the attackers, possible motives, and the status of ongoing investigations.

The incident adds to growing insecurity concerns in Ondo State, where kidnapping has increasingly affected both rural and semi-urban areas. Analysts warn that attacks on healthcare facilities could have far-reaching implications, potentially discouraging medical personnel from working night shifts and undermining access to emergency care.

Stone Reporters note that while the swift response by Amotekun led to partial success, the persistence of such attacks underscores the need for stronger intelligence, improved coordination among security agencies, and enhanced protection for critical public institutions.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security authorities, as efforts continue to locate and rescue the remaining victims. The coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether the security response can fully resolve the situation and restore confidence within the affected community.

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Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Jevaun Rhashan