The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 10 students of the Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education by gunmen.
The police, in a press statement dated April 17, 2025, and signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, confirmed that the terrifying incident did not happen in Ofosu, Ondo State, as earlier reported but in Ugbogui, a community close to Ohosu along the Benin-Okada Road in Edo State.
“The incident in question did not occur in Ofosu nor on the Lagos-Ore road in Ondo State,” the statement emphasised, urging the media to verify facts before publication.
The police statement reads in full: “The attention of the Ondo State Police command has been drawn to a recent report published by an online news outlet, Intel Region News, which alleged a kidnapping incident that took place in Ofosu, Ondo State.
“After thorough investigation in collaboration with local authorities, it has been confirmed that the incident in question did not occur in Ofosu nor on Lagos Ore road Ondo State, as reported. Rather, the unfortunate incident took place in Ugbogui, a community near Ohosu along Benin Okada road in Edo State, which is geographically distinct from Ofosu in Ondo State.
“We urge the public and media organisations to ensure proper verification of facts before publication to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic among residents.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to the safety and security of residents of Ondo State and will continue to collaborate closely with local authorities and other law enforcement agencies to maintain peace across all communities within the state.
“We appreciate the continuous cooperation of the good people of Ondo State and urge the general public to remain law abiding as the command is doing everything possible to maintain and strengthen our security gains. We therefore, urge all residents to report any suspicious movement to the nearest police station or any security post nearest to them.”
Newsmen had earlier reported that gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, ambushed a commercial bus conveying students from Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
The students, all members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church Campus Fellowship, were on their way to Babcock University in Ogun State for an annual Easter Convention when the attackers struck.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants opened fire on the bus without warning, causing panic as students scrambled for safety. Ten were abducted. Two were shot. The rest scattered into the surrounding forest, many of them now missing or injured.
“University students from my school and a sister school were kidnapped and shot at along Ore Road,” a source told newsmen.
“These are my fellowship students, and some of them are even my relatives. One student is still fighting for his life in hospital after emergency surgery to remove a bullet from his back.”
Grisly photos obtained by newsmen show health workers battling to save the wounded as families plunge into anguish and uncertainty. The attackers have already contacted families, demanding ₦15 million ransom for the release of the kidnapped students.
Some students who managed to escape are reportedly still lost in the bush, wandering for hours with no clear direction or security support.
“Ten are still in captivity. Some of the students who ran into the bush are yet to be found,” the source said
