The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 12 victims abducted by suspected kidnappers during an attack on two commercial buses in Isua Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 23, 2026, when suspected armed kidnappers reportedly intercepted two commercial Hummer buses travelling from Benue State to Ibadan. The attackers forcefully removed several passengers from the vehicles and marched them into a nearby forest.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the Command swiftly launched a coordinated rescue operation after receiving a distress call at about 1:30 a.m.
“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu, has successfully rescued 12 victims abducted during a kidnapping incident that occurred in the early hours of May 23, 2026, at Isua,” the statement said.
According to the police, operatives of the Command, working alongside local hunters and other security stakeholders, immediately mobilised to the area and commenced an intensive bush-combing operation across the surrounding forest and difficult terrain.
“Upon arrival, the combined rescue team commenced an intensive bush-combing operation across the surrounding forests and difficult terrains where the victims were believed to have been taken, while intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking efforts were simultaneously intensified to trail the fleeing suspects,” the statement added.
The rescue effort later paid off as 12 kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were rescued alive.
“The sustained pressure mounted by the combined security team yielded significant success as twelve kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were successfully rescued alive,” DSP Jimoh said.
Police authorities added that the rescued victims are receiving medical attention and support, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
The Command, however, noted that operations were still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims believed to still be in captivity.
“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to reassure the public that operations are still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring all those involved in the criminal act to justice,” the statement said.
In a further move to strengthen security efforts, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, visited the scene of the incident where he held strategic engagements with community leaders, local vigilante groups and other stakeholders in the area.
During the meeting, the CP stressed the need for sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities to tackle criminal activities.
“He stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the Police, local communities, and other security actors in order to facilitate the rescue of the remaining victims, apprehend the fleeing suspects, and prevent future occurrences of such criminal activities,” the statement noted.
Ohagwu also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State while commending the bravery and swift response of police operatives, local hunters and other security collaborators involved in the rescue effort.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
The Ondo State Police Command reiterated its resolve to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, assuring residents that all lawful measures would continue to be deployed to ensure public safety.