The abducted health worker at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo (FMC), in Ondo State, Ayodeji Akesinro, has been rescued.

Mr Akesinro was reportedly whisked away by suspected gunmen on Thursday night from his residence at Upenme in the Owo Local Government Area of the state.

A pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mr Akesinro, was rescued in the early hours of Saturday through combined security joint efforts.

DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the spokesman for the state police command, confirmed the rescue of Mr Akesinro in a statement issued on Saturday.

Mr Ayanlade said the police in the Owo area command, working in synergy with the Upeme vigilante group, launched a coordinated operation to rescue the abducted health worker.

“The joint team, working tirelessly and in close collaboration, deployed credible intelligence and embarked on aggressive bush combing operations throughout Thursday and into Friday night.

“Their sustained efforts paid off when the kidnappers, confronted in a gun duel, were forced to flee, abandoning the victim.

“He was rescued unhurt without any ransom being paid, immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for medical attention, and has since been joyfully reunited with his family,” he said.