Police rescue abducted woman, arrest four suspects in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a 26-year-old woman, Ogechi John, who was abducted by suspected kidnappers in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The victim was reportedly seized on Monday at Gozako Filling Station along the Emure-Akure Expressway by armed men who arrived in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry without a registration number before taking her to an unknown destination.
Following a distress report, the police said a joint operation involving security agencies, local hunters and vigilante groups was immediately launched to track down the abductors and secure the victim’s release.
According to the command, security operatives sealed strategic routes within Owo and adjoining communities, while tactical teams combed surrounding forests and possible escape routes in search of the kidnappers.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspected getaway vehicle was later discovered abandoned in a bush at Ojana area of Owo, providing investigators with fresh leads.
He disclosed that four suspects identified as Friday Shola, Friday Monday, Osho Joseph and Lawal Mariam were arrested during the operation. The suspects were reportedly found in possession of a lady’s motorcycle believed to be linked to the crime.
Jimoh added that preliminary investigations revealed that the abandoned vehicle had allegedly been handed over to a herbalist, Lawal Lucky, who is currently at large. He noted that sustained intelligence gathering and pressure mounted by security operatives eventually led to the rescue of the victim.
“The victim has been rescued safely and is receiving necessary support while investigations continue. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects and ensure that everyone connected with the crime is brought to justice,” the police spokesman said.
