Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have rescued a 26-year-old woman, Ogechi John, who was abducted in Owo, while four suspects linked to the crime have been arrested.
The victim was reportedly kidnapped on Monday at Gozako Filling Station along the Emure-Akure Expressway in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State by armed men who forcefully whisked her away to an unknown location.
Confirming the development, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abayomi Jimoh, said the kidnappers arrived at the scene in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Camry to carry out the abduction.
According to him, a coordinated rescue operation was immediately launched after the command received a distress call over the incident.
Jimoh disclosed that the operation involved personnel of the police command, operatives of the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups.
He explained that security operatives were strategically deployed across entry and exit points in Owo and surrounding communities, while tactical teams combed nearby bushes and possible escape routes in search of the suspects.
The police spokesperson said the operation led to the recovery of the suspects’ abandoned Toyota Camry in a bush around the Ojana area of Owo.
Further intelligence gathering later resulted in the arrest of four suspects allegedly connected to the kidnapping.
The suspects were identified as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21; Osho Joseph, 24; and Lawal Mariam.
Jimoh added that investigators recovered a lady’s motorcycle from the suspects, noting that the item was believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
During interrogation, one of the suspects reportedly confessed that the abandoned vehicle had earlier been handed over to a herbalist identified as Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo.
The herbalist is currently at large, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him and other fleeing members of the gang.
The police spokesperson stated that the rescued victim is currently receiving medical attention at a hospital.
He assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state and would continue intensifying efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
Jimoh also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist in crime prevention and investigation.
According to him, the command is determined to ensure that all individuals involved in criminal activities are identified and brought to justice.
