Suspected Fulani bandits on January 2, 2025, launched a shocking attack along the Egbe-Oke-Ere road, resulting in the abduction of three individuals, including Mrs. Edward Ilesanmi, the wife of the Elesia of Esia, a third-class Oba.

Mrs. Ilesanmi, a sachet water vendor, was traveling with her driver, Mr. Femi Bello when the attackers ambushed them.

A commercial motorcyclist, Mr. Ekundayo Aremu, was also abducted after unwittingly arriving at the scene and offering to help.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits, armed with guns and machetes, emerged from the nearby bushes, firing at the vehicle?s windscreen and forcing the driver to stop.

They then attacked Mrs. Ilesanmi and Mr. Bello with machetes before robbing them of their possessions.

As Mr. Aremu approached the scene, unaware of the crime, the bandits ambushed him and took him, along with Mrs. Ilesanmi and Mr. Bello, into the bushes.

In a stroke of luck, Mr. Aremu managed to escape after spending two days in captivity. Photos of his return showed ropes still loosely tied around his wrists.

Mrs. Ilesanmi and Mr. Bello were later rescued, with Mrs. Ilesanmi being discharged from the hospital, while Mr. Bello remained in critical condition at the ECWA Hospital in Egbe.

A community leader has launched an appeal for financial assistance to aid in Mr. Bello?s recovery, noting that his injuries are severe and additional support is required.

Donations can be made to his wife, Helen Monlomo Bello, via UBA Account Number: 2144343441. (The Nation)