The Ondo State Police Command says it has foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Owo Local Government Area, rescuing all victims after security operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers in gun battles and intensified rescue operations.
Police Foil Two Kidnap Attempts in Ondo, Rescue Pastor’s Family, Couple and Children
The Ondo State Police Command has thwarted two separate kidnap attempts in Owo Local Government Area, rescuing all victims and launching a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
The incidents, which occurred on Sunday night, saw police operatives engage armed kidnappers in separate operations that forced the attackers to abandon their victims and flee into nearby forests.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the first attack occurred around 7:05 p.m. when a six-man gang reportedly stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, in an attempt to abduct him.
The statement said the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, swiftly mobilised a patrol team to the scene after receiving a distress call. The operatives reportedly exchanged gunfire with the kidnappers, who fled into the bush after encountering stiff resistance.
Pastor Taiwo and his family were rescued unharmed and relocated to a safer location for security reasons.
In a separate incident around 11:10 p.m., gunmen attacked the residence of 39-year-old Daniel Ologun in Gbegun Community, along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo.
Ologun sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg, while his wife, Taibat, and their two children, aged four and two, were abducted into the bush.
The police said a joint rescue operation involving its operatives and personnel of the Nigerian Army was immediately launched. Sustained pressure mounted on the kidnappers reportedly forced them to abandon the captives, who were later rescued unhurt at about 1:50 a.m.
Daniel Ologun was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he is receiving treatment and is said to be responding positively.
The command disclosed that joint police and military teams have intensified bush-combing operations across the affected areas and adjoining forests to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal hideouts.
Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu directed that the rescued victims be debriefed to aid ongoing investigations before being reunited with their families under enhanced security arrangements.
He commended the bravery of the operatives involved, the support of the Nigerian Army, and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the successful rescue missions.
The police reassured residents of their commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies.
