The police command in Ondo State says it has rescued 12 victims abducted during a kidnapping incident which occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Isua-Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, who made this known in a statement on Saturday in Akure, said the victims were in two commercial Hiace buses conveying passengers from Benue State en route Ibadan.

Mr Jimoh said the rescue followed a distress report received by the command at about 0130hrs that the passengers of the commercial buses had been violently intercepted by suspected armed kidnappers.

According to him, the attackers reportedly forced several passengers out of the vehicles and marched them into a nearby forest.

“Following the report, the police immediately activated a coordinated rescue operation as operatives of the command, alongside local hunters and other security stakeholders, were swiftly mobilised to the scene..

“Upon arrival, 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.

“Intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking efforts were simultaneously intensified to trail the fleeing suspects and facilitate the safe rescue of the remaining victims.

“The sustained pressure mounted by the combined security team yielded significant success as 12 kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were successfully rescued alive.

“The rescued victims are currently receiving necessary medical attention and support while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families,” he said.

Mr Jimoh, therefore, reassured the public that operations were still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring all those involved in the act to justice.

The spokesperson also said additional tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed to the area to reinforce the ongoing rescue and manhunt operations.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Felix Ohagwu, visited the scene of the incident where he held strategic engagements with community heads, local vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders within the axis.

“During the meeting, the CP stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the police, local communities, and other security actors.

“The meeting is in order to facilitate the rescue of the remaining victims, apprehend the fleeing suspects, and prevent future occurrences of such criminal activities in the area.

“The CP further reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State and maintaining relentless pressure on criminal elements operating within the state.

“Ohagwu commended the bravery, professionalism and swift response of the police operatives, tactical teams, local hunters and other security collaborators involved in the operation.

“He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of aiding ongoing operations and broader crime prevention efforts.

“The command remains resolute in its determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes and will continue to deploy all lawful means necessary to ensure the safety and security of residents across Ondo State,” he said. 

(NAN)