Police rescue victim from fleeing kidnappers in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State have foiled a kidnap attempt in Akure, rescuing a victim and arresting a suspect after a hot chase.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on behalf of the state command.

According to the statement, the breakthrough aligns with directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at strengthening internal security and tackling violent crimes.

“Operatives, while on routine patrol along the Oba-Ile axis of Akure, received credible information about a distress situation involving an occupant of a moving vehicle,” the statement read.

According to the police, the victim was heard shouting for help from inside a red Toyota Camry, prompting officers to immediately mobilise and pursue the suspected kidnappers.

“During the pursuit, the suspects pushed the victim out of the moving vehicle in a desperate attempt to evade arrest,” the command added.

The victim, identified as Kayode Alaba, was rescued alive, while one suspect, Adegbenro Adeola, was apprehended. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped, abandoning the vehicle.

The police command disclosed that preliminary findings showed the victim had earlier been abducted from his residence along Irese Road in Akure, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.