By our Reporter
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 12 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Isua Akoko axis of the state, while security operatives intensify efforts to free other victims still in captivity.
The victims were rescued following a coordinated operation launched after suspected armed kidnappers intercepted two commercial Hummer buses conveying passengers from Benue State to Ibadan in the early hours of Saturday.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the attackers reportedly forced several passengers out of the buses and marched them into a nearby forest.
He said the command immediately activated a rescue operation involving police operatives, local hunters, vigilantes and other security stakeholders.
“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,” the statement said.
The police added that intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking operations were also intensified to trail the fleeing suspects and ensure the safe rescue of the remaining captives.
The sustained operation, according to the command, led to the successful rescue of 12 kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the affected buses.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and support, while arrangements are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident scene, held meetings with community leaders, vigilante groups and other stakeholders in the area.
During the engagement, the police commissioner stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Ohagwu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, assuring residents that tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed to strengthen ongoing rescue and manhunt operations.
He also commended the bravery and professionalism of the police operatives, local hunters and other security collaborators involved in the operation.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information that could aid security agencies in combating criminal activities across the state.
