Suspected gunmen on Tuesday night abducted the wife of a prominent motorcycle dealer, Mrs. Morenike Falona, in Ode-Irele, headquarters of Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, plunging the community into panic and renewed security concerns.
The victim was reportedly taken from her husband’s residence on the outskirts of the town along the Ore road at about 10pm in the presence of family members.
A source close to the family said about six armed men stormed the house, firing sporadically into the air to scare residents before whisking away the 35-year-old woman to an unknown destination.
The source further disclosed that the kidnappers had yet to establish contact with the family as of the time of filing this report, a development that has heightened anxiety among relatives and residents of the area.
A member of the motorcycle dealers’ association in the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that no communication had been received from the abductors, adding that the incident has thrown the association into mourning and fear.
He lamented that such a kidnapping had not been recorded in the town in recent years, calling for improved security presence to forestall further attacks.
The traditional ruler of the community, Ọba Samuel Omapariola Odimayo, condemned the abduction, describing it as disturbing and a serious threat to the peace of the ancient town.
He expressed concern over the victim’s safety and sympathised with her family, while urging security agencies to act swiftly to secure her release and apprehend the perpetrators.
He also called for urgent and decisive intervention to restore public confidence and ensure that criminal elements do not turn the community into a safe haven.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, said the command had launched an investigation and rescue operation following the report.
He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had ordered the deployment of tactical and intelligence units to the area, adding that a coordinated operation involving other security agencies was ongoing to rescue the victim unhurt and arrest those responsible.
Abayomi assured residents that the police were fully committed to resolving the case, urging members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations.