The police command in Ondo says it has rescued Ali Kolade, who was kidnapped by armed men from his residence at Ijelu quarters, Owo, in the Owo LGA.

DSP Jimoh Kazeem, the command’s spokesperson, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, said the rescue followed a distress call from one Major Tajudeen at the A Division Police headquarters, Owo.

Mr Kazeem said the abductors, numbering about six, robbed the victim of a Samsung and an Itel mobile phone, and an iPad.

According to him, an unregistered Black Toyota Corolla car was taken, while N1.47 million was transferred from the victim’s bank account.

“Acting promptly on the information, the divisional police officer mobilised a response team in collaboration with the military and embarked on an intensive pursuit of the suspects.

“Although the suspects managed to escape, the victim was successfully rescued and immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, and subsequently debriefed by investigators.

“Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing, with concerted efforts being intensified to identify, track, and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” he said.

The police spokesperson said the  command had reiterated unequivocally that the state would never be a safe haven for criminal elements.

Mr Kazeem explained that the command had consistently demonstrated that criminals operating within the state would always be identified, tracked, and brought to justice.

He therefore urged the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities, as a collective effort remained vital to achieving a safer society.

(NAN)