A 26-year-old woman who was abducted in Owo, Ondo State, has been rescued by security operatives, while four suspects linked to the crime have been taken into custody.
The Ondo State Police Command disclosed that the victim, identified as Ogechi John, was forcefully whisked away by suspected kidnappers at Gozako Filling Station along the Emure–Akure Expressway on Monday.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the assailants arrived at the scene in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry without registration plates before fleeing with the victim to an unknown destination.
Following the report, the police launched a coordinated operation involving personnel of the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups. Security teams immediately secured strategic routes in and around Owo while patrol and tactical units combed nearby forests and hideouts in search of the abductors.
“The prompt and coordinated response yielded immediate results as the suspected getaway vehicle was later discovered abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo.
“Acting on intelligence gathered during the operation, police operatives arrested three suspects found in possession of a lady’s motorcycle believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
“The suspects were identified as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21 ; Osho Joseph, 24, and one other.
“During preliminary interrogation, one of the suspects disclosed that the abandoned Toyota Camry had earlier been handed over to a herbalist identified as Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who is currently at large.
“Sustained operational pressure and intelligence-driven efforts by the police culminated in the successful rescue of the victim, John.
“She has been rescued safely and is currently receiving the necessary support while investigators continue to process relevant evidence,” he said.
Jimoh noted that efforts were ongoing to track down other fleeing suspects and uncover anyone else connected to the abduction, with a view to ensuring that all those involved face prosecution.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, praised the officers and other security personnel for their swift action, professionalism and determination, which led to the successful rescue mission.
The police chief also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, stressing that criminal elements would continue to face relentless pressure from security agencies.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and support security efforts by providing credible and timely information that could help prevent crimes and assist ongoing investigations.
The command further assured the public of its resolve to rid Ondo State of criminal activities and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
