In a harrowing incident near Akunu, Akoko area of Ondo state, six victims—including a 74-year-old woman, Madam Alicia Afolayan, and her driver, Kabiru Yakubu—were abducted while traveling towards Ayere in Kogi State. Their terrifying ordeal unfolded when their vehicle, bound for Abuja, was attacked and kidnapped at gunpoint. However, their escape was no ordinary feat; the kidnappers employed an unexpected and chilling tactic: using dogs to track down their victims after they fled into the forest.
The eight passengers, including the driver, found themselves in a sudden and life-threatening situation. As the attackers closed in, panic set in, and everyone scattered into the dense forest, seeking safety. The kidnappers wasted no time—they unleashed white dogs to trace the fleeing victims. These trained canines swiftly located some of the passengers, who were hiding in fear. The intensity of the pursuit was unimaginable, as the abductors’ hounds hunted down their prey.
Thankfully, the combined efforts of officers from the Nigerian Army and the state security outfit, codenamed Amotekun, led to the rescue of Madam Afolayan, Kabiru Yakubu, and four other victims. After hours of combing the forest, the security personnel located the captives and ensured their safe return to their families. However, the search continues for the remaining two victims, with local hunters joining the effort to bring them home unharmed.
This gripping tale of survival underscores the resilience of those who faced unimaginable danger. As we reflect on this incident, let us appreciate the courage of the rescued victims and the tireless dedication of those who worked to bring them back to safety. The use of dogs as tracking tools serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths to which criminals will go to pursue their sinister goals. May this story also inspire us to support and strengthen security efforts, ensuring that no one falls prey to such terrifying ordeals in the future.
