By Adebayo ObajemuNine persons kidnapped by suspected abductors have been reportedly rescued during a joint security operation involving Kwara State Forest Guards, the State Security Service (SSS), local hunters and vigilantes in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu, stated that armed men seized him and his son during the attack. A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, said three suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle. The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, Gabriel Agbemuko, commended the forest guards for their role in the operation. The rescue comes amid increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of Kwara State, particularly in Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu and Kaiama local government areas.