A disturbing wave of violence has once again shaken Ondo State, following a late-night attack on a Primary Health Centre in Akure, the state capital.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, saw armed men storm the facility and abduct several health workers, sparking widespread fear among residents and raising fresh concerns about insecurity in Ondo.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers arrived at the health facility around 2:00 a.m. in a large vehicle.
Under the cover of darkness, they forcefully gained entry into the premises, catching both staff and patients off guard.
A patient who witnessed the incident described the moment as chaotic, noting that the gunmen moved swiftly and appeared well-coordinated as they rounded up their victims.
The assailants reportedly targeted health workers on duty, including interns, and forced them into their vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The sudden nature of the attack created panic within the area, with nearby residents left terrified by the sound of movement and the possibility of further violence.
However, in a rapid response to the crisis, operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, launched a rescue operation.
Their efforts paid off within hours, as three of the abducted health workers were successfully freed during an overnight mission in Akure South Local Government Area.
The development brought some relief to the tense atmosphere in Ondo, although concerns remain over the broader security situation.
The Corps Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the rescue, explaining that the victims regained their freedom around 4:30 a.m.
He added that the operation was carefully coordinated and executed based on intelligence gathered shortly after the attack.
The rescued individuals were immediately taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment.
Despite the successful rescue, authorities have indicated that efforts are still ongoing to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
Security agencies have intensified surveillance and patrol activities across Ondo, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to such attacks.
One of the victims, a nurse identified as Omolabake Kayode, shared a chilling account of her experience.
She explained that the ordeal began when she responded to a knock at the gate, believing it to be a patient in need of urgent care.
Instead, she was confronted by armed men who immediately overpowered her and dragged her outside.
She recounted how the attackers stormed the ward, causing panic among other staff members.
Some attempted to flee, while others sought refuge in nearby spaces, including restrooms. Unfortunately, many were discovered, forcibly dragged out, and subjected to physical assault.
The attackers also seized their mobile phones, further isolating them from any immediate help.
Kayode revealed that the victims were later transported to a remote bush location, where they were forced to lie on the ground.
The gunmen demanded access to their bank accounts, coercing them into revealing sensitive financial details.
The attackers allegedly transferred funds from the victims’ accounts before abandoning them in the area.
Traumatized but determined to survive, the victims eventually found their way back to a main road after the attackers left.
From there, they reported the incident to authorities, which facilitated their rescue.
The experience has left a lasting psychological impact, highlighting the growing risks faced by frontline health workers.
In response to the incident, the Ondo State Police Command has stepped up its operations.
Officials confirmed that tactical units and surveillance teams have been deployed to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Collaboration with local vigilante groups and other security outfits has also been strengthened to improve response time and intelligence gathering.
The police spokesperson reassured residents that measures are being put in place to prevent further attacks.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that community cooperation is essential in addressing insecurity.
The attack has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for improved security infrastructure, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare.
As Ondo continues to grapple with these challenges, many residents are calling for more proactive strategies to safeguard lives and restore confidence in public safety systems.