12 Kidnap Victims Rescued as Ondo Police Intensify Manhunt in Akoko Forest
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 12 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Isua Akoko axis of the state, following a coordinated security operation involving police operatives, local hunters and other security stakeholders.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Friday after armed men intercepted two commercial Hummer buses travelling from Benue State to Ibadan and forced several passengers into a nearby forest.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Command received a distress call around 1:30 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of tactical teams and local security collaborators to the area for rescue operations and pursuit of the attackers.
The police said the combined team launched an intensive bush-combing exercise across surrounding forests and difficult terrains while intelligence-driven surveillance was also activated to track the fleeing suspects and secure the release of other victims still in captivity.
The Command confirmed that 12 victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were rescued alive during the operation. The rescued passengers are currently receiving medical attention and support ahead of reunification with their families.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, who visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment, held meetings with community leaders, vigilante groups and other stakeholders in the area to strengthen collaboration in ongoing rescue and security efforts.
Ohagwu assured residents that operations were continuing to secure the release of the remaining victims and arrest those responsible for the attack, noting that additional tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed to the area.
He also commended the swift response and professionalism of police operatives, local hunters and other security personnel involved in the operation, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies.
The Command reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state through sustained security operations and community collaboration.
