Ondo police rescue abducted man, launch manhunt for suspects

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Police Command has rescued an abduction victim following a reported case of armed robbery and kidnapping in Owo, as operatives intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The development was contained in a press release issued on Saturday evening and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi Kazeem, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.

The police said the incident was reported at the A Division Police Headquarters, Owo, by a Major Tajudeen, who alerted officers that a resident, Ali Kolade of Ijelu Quarters, had been abducted from his home by armed men who also escaped with his unregistered black Toyota Corolla.

Following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer reportedly mobilised operatives, in collaboration with the military, and launched a coordinated pursuit of the suspects, leading to the successful rescue of the victim.

Although the abductors escaped, the victim was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention and later debriefed by investigators, who confirmed that six suspects were involved in the attack.

Preliminary findings showed that the assailants dispossessed the victim of mobile devices, an iPad and his vehicle, and forced a transfer of ₦1.47m from his bank account, while investigations continued to track down those responsible.

Commending the operatives, the commissioner of police described the rescue as a reflection of effective policing and strong inter-agency collaboration, reiterating that Ondo State would not serve as a safe haven for criminals and urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.