Panic gripped residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, in the early hours of Saturday as suspected kidnappers stormed a health centre in the Oke Ijebu area and abducted health workers on duty.

The incident reportedly occurred around 2:00 a.m., when the assailants invaded the facility and whisked away all staff present at the time.

According to a patient at the health centre, the attackers arrived in a large bus and forcefully gained entry into the premises without resistance.

The facility, located opposite Mega School in Oke Ijebu, was said to have been thrown into confusion as the gunmen carried out the operation.

The source disclosed that six health workers, including some interns, were abducted during the raid.

“They came in a bus and entered the hospital forcefully. They took all the health workers on duty, including the interns, and drove them away,” the patient recounted.

The attackers reportedly bundled the victims into the waiting bus before speeding off to an unknown destination.

Residents of the area, who were jolted by the development, expressed shock over the incident, describing it as both brazen and alarming.

Many said the attack has heightened fear in the community, particularly as it targeted a health facility meant to provide care and safety.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

Further details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.