Etim Ekpimah
Gunmen numbering about 10 have kidnapped 16 market women on Akure/Owo road between Ogbese and Uso along the Akure/Owo road, Ondo State.
The driver of the vehicle in which the women were kidnapped was said to have been released almost immediately by the abductors, who asked him to inform the families of the kidnapped women of the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, ASP Tee-Leo Ikoro, said 10 of the kidnapped victims had been rescued during a gun fierce battle with the bandits, adding that four of the suspected kidnappers have been arrested.
According to the PPRO, efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.
It was gathered that the kidnapped women are the Iyaloja of Isua-Akoko, in Akoko South East Local Government area of the state, Chief Mrs Helen Edward, who was leading the other women to the monthly meeting of Iyalaje, Iyalojas, as well as women leaders in Akure.