The Ondo State police command has rescued a 61-year-old woman, Modupe Oladele, abducted at her residence in Owo area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, stated this in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Jimoh said police operatives also recovered the victim’s stolen vehicle after a gun battle with the suspects.

“At about 2:50 a.m., the Divisional Police Office of B Division, Owo, received a distress call reporting that a gang of armed men had forcefully broken into the residence of Mrs. Oladele and abducted her at gunpoint,” he said. 

He added that the assailants also made away with her Toyota Matrix vehicle marked WWW-434-AG.

Mr Jimoh said the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised operatives and launched a coordinated pursuit of the fleeing suspects.

“The police team intercepted the hoodlums around the outskirts and bush area of Ojana Phase 3, where an exchange of gunfire ensued.

“Overwhelmed by the superior tactical response and firepower of the police, the operatives successfully rescued the victim and recovered the stolen vehicle,” he said. 

He stated that the suspects escaped into the surrounding bush, with some of them believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange.

According to him, police recovered two expended cartridges, a sandal believed to belong to one of the suspects, and a flashlight from the scene.

“Efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang.

“The case has been referred to the appropriate investigative unit for discreet and comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting all those connected with the crime,” he added.