By our Reporter
The Ondo State Police Command has successfully foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Owo Local Government Area, rescuing all victims involved and forcing the assailants to abandon their operations following swift security interventions.
The Command said the incidents, which occurred within hours of each other on Sunday, June 21, 2026, highlight its operational readiness and ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the first incident occurred at about 7:05 p.m. when armed kidnappers reportedly stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him.
Upon receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, swiftly mobilised and led a patrol team to the scene. The operatives engaged the six-man gang in a gun duel, forcing the attackers to flee into a nearby bush.
The prompt intervention of the police successfully thwarted the kidnap attempt, while Pastor Taiwo and members of his family were rescued unharmed and relocated to a secure location for their safety.
In a related incident later that night, armed men 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, 34, and their two children, aged four and two years, into the bush.
Following the report, police operatives immediately launched a rescue mission. The sustained pressure mounted by security personnel disrupted the kidnappers’ movement and forced them to abandon the victims while fleeing with gunshot injuries.
In a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the Police and the Nigerian Army, Mrs. Ologun and her two children were successfully rescued unharmed at about 1:50 a.m.
The injured victim was immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he is receiving treatment and is said to be responding positively.
Meanwhile, joint security teams comprising police operatives and military personnel have intensified bush-combing operations across the affected communities and adjoining forests in a bid to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal hideouts within the area.
Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, directed that all rescued victims be debriefed to provide information that could aid ongoing investigations and intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at identifying and arresting the perpetrators.
He also ordered that the victims be reunited with their families after necessary security arrangements had been put in place to guarantee their continued safety.
The police commissioner commended the courage and professionalism of officers involved in both operations, as well as the support of the Nigerian Army and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the successful rescue efforts.
Reassuring residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, CP Ohagwu urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly and continue to cooperate with security agencies.
“The fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes requires sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve,” he said.
The Ondo State Police Command reiterated its resolve to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven anywhere within the state.
