Foiled Abduction: Residents, Police Rescue Toddler, Arrest Two in Ondo Community
Two suspects have been arrested for conspiracy and attempted child stealing after a swift intervention by residents and police operatives led to the rescue of a three-year-old boy in Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the incident occurred on March 22, 2026, following a report by Mrs. Olanireti, who resides on Ioso Street in the community. She had reportedly sent her son, Alex Ayobami, to meet his grandmother behind her shop when a concerned passerby raised an alarm over suspicious movements involving the child.
Acting on the alert, the mother rushed to the scene and found two men—identified as Adefarati Idowu and Adepoju Babatunde—attempting to escape on an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle with the child.
In a dramatic turn, the child’s grandmother, Mrs. Olawale, held onto the fleeing motorcycle, while other residents quickly mobilized to block the suspects’ escape. The prompt response of the community enabled police operatives to arrive in time to rescue the child unharmed and apprehend the suspects.
Police authorities disclosed that the case has been transferred to the command headquarters for further investigation, with efforts underway to determine whether the suspects are linked to a wider criminal network.
Commending the bravery and vigilance of the community, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State noted that the incident highlights the importance of active citizen participation in crime prevention.
The command also urged parents and guardians to remain watchful and advised residents to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the police assured the public of intensified efforts to combat criminal activities across the state.
