The Ondo State Police Command has foiled two separate kidnapping attempts in Owo Local Government Area of the state, rescuing all targeted victims and forcing the assailants to abandon their operations following swift security responses.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incidents occurred on Sunday, June 21.
According to the statement, the first incident occurred at about 7:05 p.m. when a six-man armed kidnapping gang invaded the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, in an attempt to abduct him.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), B Division, Owo, quickly mobilised a patrol team to the location.
The arrival of the police operatives led to a gun duel with the attackers. The criminals, faced with the tactical response of the officers, retreated into the surrounding bush and abandoned their mission.
The intended victim and his family members were rescued unharmed and moved to a safer location for enhanced protection.
In a separate attack, another armed gang attacked 39-year-old Daniel Ologun, a resident of Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo.
During the attack, Ologun sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg, while the assailants abducted his wife, Mrs Taibat Ologun, 34, and their two children aged four and two years, taking them into the bush.
The police, upon receiving information about the incident, immediately commenced a rescue operation.
The deployment of security operatives and pressure mounted on the kidnappers disrupted their movement, forcing them to abandon their victim.
A joint operation involving the police and personnel of the Nigerian Army later led to the rescue of Mrs Ologun and her two children unhurt at about 1:50 a.m., while the attackers reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries.
The injured Daniel Ologun was taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he is receiving treatment and responding positively.
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Meanwhile, joint security teams comprising police and military personnel have intensified bush-combing operations across the affected communities and adjoining forests in a bid to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal hideouts.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed that the rescued victims be debriefed to provide useful information that could support ongoing investigations and intelligence operations aimed at identifying and arresting the perpetrators.
The CP commended the bravery and prompt response of the security operatives involved in the rescue operations, as well as members of the public who provided timely information that aided the successful missions.
He assured residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and continue to support security agencies in the fight against crime.
The Ondo State Police Command said it would sustain efforts to ensure criminal elements have no safe haven in the state.