The Ondo State Police Command has foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Owo Local Government Area of the state, successfully rescuing all victims and forcing the attackers to flee following swift security operations.
The Command said the incidents, which occurred within hours of each other on Sunday night, highlighted the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the first attack occurred at about 7:05 p.m. when a six-man armed 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 (DPO) of B Division, Owo, swiftly mobilised a patrol team to the scene after receiving a distress call.
On arrival, the operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into a nearby bush. Pastor Taiwo and his family members were rescued unharmed and later relocated to a safer location for enhanced security.
In a related incident later that night, at about 11:10 p.m., another armed gang attacked the residence of 39-year-old Daniel Ologun in Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo.
During the attack, Ologun sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg, while the assailants abducted his wife, Mrs. Taibat Ologun, and their two children, aged four and two years, into the bush.
The police said a rescue operation was immediately launched upon receiving information about the incident.
The rapid deployment of security personnel and sustained pressure on the kidnappers disrupted their operation and forced them to abandon the victims.
In a joint search-and-rescue mission involving police operatives and personnel of the Nigerian Army, Mrs. Ologun and her two children were later rescued unhurt at about 1:50 a.m. while the kidnappers escaped with suspected gunshot injuries.
The injured victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively, according to the police.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Felix Ohagwu, has ordered the immediate debriefing of the rescued victims to aid ongoing investigations and intelligence gathering aimed at identifying and apprehending the fleeing suspects.
He also directed that adequate security measures be put in place to ensure the continued safety of the victims and their families.
Meanwhile, joint security teams comprising police and military personnel have intensified bush-combing operations in the affected communities and surrounding forests to track down the suspects and dismantle criminal hideouts in the area.
The Commissioner commended the bravery and swift response of the operatives involved in the operations, as well as the support of the Nigerian Army and members of the public who provided timely information.
He reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible information.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within the state,” the statement added.