Schoolchildren Abduction: Ondo Police Smash Kidnap Syndicate, Arrest Five Suspects in Ore
28th May, 2026
A major breakthrough has been recorded in the fight against kidnapping in Ondo State as police operatives busted a notorious kidnap syndicate linked to the abduction of two schoolchildren in Ore, arresting five suspects and recovering suspected ransom proceeds alongside a motorcycle allegedly used for the crime.
The Ondo State Police Command disclosed that the operation was carried out by its Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad following the kidnapping of two brothers, Jehu, 10, and Yohana, 5, who were abducted on their way to school in the Jerry Sawmill Area of Ore on May 12, 2026.
According to the Command, the children’s father, Andrew Yohana, reported the incident to the police at about 9:00 a.m., triggering an immediate intelligence-driven investigation by detectives.
Police investigations, aided by technical intelligence and tracking analysis, led operatives to the Alaba Area of Ore where two suspects, Taofeek Lukman, 23, and Blessing Saturday, 27, were arrested.
During the operation, detectives recovered ₦251,000 suspected to be part of the ransom paid by the victims’ family before the children regained freedom. Officers also recovered an unregistered lady motorcycle allegedly used by the kidnappers in carrying out the operation.
Further investigations uncovered three additional suspects identified as Peter Moses, 25; Sunday Isaac, 23; and Sanusi Dan Asabe, 37, all believed to be members of the criminal syndicate.
The police said efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional exhibits connected to the crime.
Authorities added that the arrested suspects had made confessional statements revealing their individual roles in the kidnapping and would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, praised the professionalism and intelligence-led tactics employed by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
Ohagwu reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain the crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes across the state, assuring residents that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority.
The Police Commissioner also applauded the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his strategic leadership, operational support, and commitment to strengthening intelligence-led policing nationwide.
He warned criminal elements to stay away from Ondo State or face the full weight of the law, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
