The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a 26-year-old woman who was allegedly abducted in Owo and arrested four suspects in connection with the crime.
The victim, identified as Ogechi John, was reportedly kidnapped on Monday along the Emure-Akure Expressway near Gozako Filling Station by armed men who arrived in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry without registration numbers.
According to the police, the suspects forcefully whisked the woman away before fleeing to an unknown destination, prompting an immediate security response.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command swiftly launched a joint operation involving operatives of the police, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
Jimoh explained that security personnel secured major entry and exit routes in Owo and neighbouring communities while tactical teams combed surrounding forests and possible escape routes in search of the victim and her abductors.
The operation led to the discovery of the suspects’ abandoned vehicle in a bush at Ojana, Owo.
The police spokesman disclosed that intelligence gathered during the operation resulted in the arrest of three male suspects and a female accomplice who were allegedly found in possession of a woman’s motorcycle believed to be linked to the investigation.
The suspects were identified as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21; Osho Joseph, 24; and Lawal Mariam.
During interrogation, one of the suspects reportedly informed investigators that the abandoned Toyota Camry had been handed over to a herbalist, Lawal Lucky, said to be residing on Idimepe Street in Owo.
The herbalist is currently on the run, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him and other fleeing members of the gang.
The police further stated that sustained intelligence-driven operations and pressure on the suspects eventually led to the successful rescue of the victim, who was found unharmed.
“The victim has been rescued safely and is receiving the necessary support while investigations continue,” the statement noted.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, commended the officers and other security stakeholders involved in the operation for their professionalism and swift response.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and assured residents that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate freely.
The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid crime prevention and investigations.
He assured that all individuals connected to the abduction would be tracked down and prosecuted in accordance with the law.