Suspected armed bandits have reportedly abducted a woman and her baby along the Supare-Ayegunle road in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The nursing mother, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, and her child were reportedly seized while on their way to the market.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen struck suddenly, causing panic among other road users.

The incident has heightened fears among residents, who have expressed concern over the rising insecurity on rural roads in the Akoko area.

When contacted on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said he could not immediately verify the incident, describing the available information as sketchy.

“The information at my disposal is still very sketchy, and I can’t confirm it yet. I’ll revert once there’s enough information,” Abayomi said.

However, a close relative of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the abduction and said the family has been thrown into distress.

According to the relative, the husband of the abducted woman, a furniture maker well known in Akungba-Akoko, has been appealing to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue his wife and child unharmed.

The family also urged authorities to increase patrols and improve security along the Supare-Ayegunle road, which had become notorious for attacks and kidnappings. (THE NATION)