By Folorunso Ojo,Akure
Three Health Workers working with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo state have been abducted by some suspected gunmen.
The health workers were kidnapped on the failed portion of the Emure – Ile/Owo road, which is a few drive away from the state capital, Akure.
The victims which included a Medical Doctor, two Nurses and a Record Officer with the FMC were abducted while on a transit to Owo for work.
Colleagues of the kidnapped health workers confirmed the sad incident to journalists in Akure, Ondo state capital via a phone conversation.
One of their colleagues who spoke under the condition of anonymity said that the victims were stopped on the road by the abductors before they kidnapped and taken away.
She added that the kidnappers have already contacted the family of the abducted medical workers and are demanding the sum of N50 million as ransom.
According to her, all the premises of the hospital (FMC) has now been thrown into confusion as a result of the kidnap incident.
“Three of our staff here in the FMC were kidnapped yesterday by some gunmen while on their way to work although we have also reported the incident to the police in the state.
“Those that were kidnapped are – a medical doctor with the hospital, two Nurses and a record officer whose identity I can only remember and she is Mrs Josephine Fanikasi.
“They were abducted at Emure -Ile and l learnt that the abductors who are heavily armed with guns are all Fulani due of their poor grammar.
“They have contacted the family of the three victims and they are even demanding N50 million as ransom before they can be released” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) in Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Mr. Femi Joseph also confirmed the incident noting that the victim were traveling when they were kidnapped.
Joseph added that the victims were waylaid by the armed hoodlums on the Akure/Emure-Ile/Owo road and were whisked into the heavy bush.
“I can confirm that the story is true but i only know about just one FMC staff who was kidnapped while the others are a staff of the polytechnic in Owo who were traveling.
“But our boys are on their trail and they have started coming the bush with a view to rescue these kidnap victims alive.
“Also, let me assure you that we will arrest the criminals who carried out this job and we will ensure they are brought to book” Mr. Joseph said.
He revealed that police in the state have already swung into action and commenced investigation with the view to rescue the kidnap victims.
The police spokesman also advised family members of the kidnapped victims to cooperate with the police in its investigation in ensuring the rescue of the victims.
