Police rescue five abducted passengers in Ondo, arrest three suspects

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Police Command has rescued five passengers abducted by armed robbers along the Ondo-Akure Road, following a swift security operation.

Disclosing the development via a statement issued on Thursday, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, noted that the breakthrough occurred around 5:20 a.m. between Ita-Oba and Oboto.

According to the statement, the victims were travelling in a commercial vehicle from Ondo to Akure when gunmen intercepted the vehicle and forced them into a nearby bush.

The attackers reportedly dispossessed the passengers of their personal belongings before abandoning them at the scene.

Jimoh said operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, responded promptly to a distress call and launched a targeted rescue operation.

He added that the joint team successfully located and rescued all the victims unhurt from the bush.

The police spokesperson further revealed that three suspects identified as Akinyemi Olamilekan, Mutaka Ali and Atiku Abubakar were arrested in connection with the crime, adding that the suspects have so far made useful statements to investigators and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.

The police public relations officer went on to assure residents that sustained efforts are ongoing to secure highways and curb criminal activities.