(DDM) – Armed gunmen have attacked a Primary Health Centre in the Oke Ijebu area of Ondo State, abducting several health workers on duty during the early hours of Saturday.
The incident occurred in Akure, where the attackers reportedly stormed the facility and disrupted medical services before taking staff members away.
Security sources said no fewer than six health workers were kidnapped during the operation, which caused panic among residents and patients at the facility.
Eyewitnesses described the attack as sudden, with the gunmen arriving in large numbers and firing sporadically to scare away nearby residents.
The attackers were said to have operated for several minutes before escaping with their victims to an unknown location.
Local authorities have yet to confirm the identities of the abducted health workers, but efforts are underway to track their whereabouts.
Security agencies have launched a search-and-rescue operation aimed at securing the release of the victims.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of healthcare facilities and workers in parts of the state.
Residents expressed shock over the incident, noting that the health centre serves as a critical point for primary healthcare delivery in the area.
Community leaders have called for increased security presence to prevent further attacks on public institutions.
The Ondo State Government is expected to respond with additional security measures following the incident.
Security analysts say repeated attacks on soft targets highlight ongoing challenges in addressing rural and urban insecurity.
Health workers’ unions have previously raised concerns about inadequate protection for medical personnel in volatile areas.
The abduction adds to a growing list of kidnapping incidents targeting civilians and essential service providers across Nigeria.
Authorities have urged calm while assuring that all efforts are being made to rescue the victims safely.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the attackers and their possible routes of escape.
The incident underscores the need for improved intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms in the state.
Further updates are expected as security operations continue in the area.
