Search teams and residents report heightened patrols along the Patigi–Lade road after the abduction of a police officer.
Gunmen have abducted a police officer in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State in the early hours of Thursday, renewing fears about rising criminality along the Patigi–Lade corridor.
The victim, Ezra John of the Lade Division, was reportedly returning from official duty at Patigi General Hospital to his base in Lade when assailants intercepted him on the Patigi–Lade road, a stretch repeatedly flagged by residents for violent attacks.
Confirming the incident, Kwara Police Command spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the officer’s motorcycle was recovered on the roadside. “We have activated tactical teams to go find him. We are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure he is safely rescued and the perpetrators brought to book,” she told journalists.
Ejire-Adeyemi appealed for public assistance, urging residents to report suspicious movements: “Residents are advised to be vigilant and report any strange movement or individual to security agencies.”
The abduction has reignited calls for a stronger security presence in Patigi and neighbouring communities. Community leaders and stakeholders say persistent attacks on this route have undermined local commerce, access to health services and public confidence
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, speaking after a recent security council meeting, reiterated a hardline stance against kidnappers. “Nowhere in the state will be a hiding place for criminals,” his office quoted him as saying. “We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice.”
Authorities say investigations and search operations are ongoing. Motorists and residents are being asked to cooperate with security teams and to exercise caution when travelling on the Patigi–Lade route until the officer is recovered and the area is secured.
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