Four Masked Gunmen Kidnap 60-Year-Old Trader in Ibadan, Police Launch Rescue Operation

*TL;DR: Four masked gunmen abducted a 60‑year‑old building‑materials trader on Alakia Road in Ibadan around 8:47 p.m.; police responded immediately and launched a rescue operation.

### Context Ibadan, Oyo State, has seen a rise in armed kidnappings targeting businessmen. The city’s commercial districts, especially along major arteries like Alakia Road, are frequent routes for traders returning home after market hours. Security officials have warned that unregistered vehicles are often used to evade detection.

### Key Facts - At approximately 8:47 p.m. on Sunday, four masked gunmen intercepted a 60‑year‑old trader in the Jinarere section of Alakia Road. - The assailants forced the victim into an ash‑coloured Toyota Corolla that lacked proper registration, then drove away from the scene. - State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed that officers arrived at the location shortly after the report and immediately activated operational measures aimed at rescuing the victim and capturing the perpetrators. - Police have deployed all available resources, including roadblocks and intelligence units, to track the unregistered vehicle and locate the abducted trader. - No ransom demand or further details about the victim’s condition have been released as of the latest update.

### What It Means The incident underscores the vulnerability of traders who travel alone after business hours in high‑traffic zones. Police emphasis on a swift response reflects growing pressure to curb kidnapping for ransom, a crime that has strained public confidence in security forces. The use of an unregistered vehicle suggests organized planning, potentially linking this case to broader criminal networks operating in southwestern Nigeria.

Authorities are urging residents to report suspicious activity and to avoid traveling alone after dark. The ongoing operation will likely involve coordination with traffic enforcement to locate the stolen Corolla, a key lead in the investigation.

Watch next: Updates on the rescue effort, any statements from the trader’s family, and whether police recover the vehicle or identify the kidnappers.