Ondo: 55-Year-Old Man Escapes Kidnappers’ Den, Two Suspects Arrested
A 55-year-old man, Idowu Alade, has escaped from a kidnappers’ den in Aroge Camp, near Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, while two suspected members of the gang have been arrested by security operatives.
Alade was reportedly abducted at about 6:00 p.m. on August 21, 2026, after leaving his residence to purchase a network recharge card. His failure to return home prompted members of the community to begin a search the following morning.
According to the Ondo State Police Command, operatives from the Idoani Division, working alongside the Amotekun Corps, Ose Bravers Vigilante Group and local hunters, launched an intensive search and bush-combing operation for the victim.
The victim eventually escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout at about 4:00 a.m. on August 23 while his captors were reportedly asleep. He later emerged through the Ifira area, where security operatives, acting on credible intelligence, located and secured him.
Police said Alade sustained injuries during the incident and was subsequently given medical attention.
Following the victim’s escape, security operatives placed the area on red alert. A patrol team from the Isua Division later arrested two suspects, Usman Shaibu, 25, and Sanni Musa, 27, at about 2:15 p.m. on August 23.
The police said the victim, after regaining sufficient strength, positively identified the two suspects during a formal identification process at the police station as those allegedly involved in his abduction.
The victim’s mobile phone was also recovered from the suspects, according to the command.
The police further disclosed that the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime and provided information on other persons suspected to be part of the criminal network, including an alleged accomplice reportedly based in Auchi.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, directed that the suspects and case file be transferred to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The police said the investigation is aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the alleged kidnapping network.
Ohagwu commended the police operatives, Amotekun Corps, Ose Bravers Vigilante Group, local hunters and other stakeholders for their collaboration in securing the victim and arresting the suspects.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to assist in preventing and detecting crimes.
The command assured the public that anyone found culpable in connection with the incident would be brought to justice.
