12 kidnapped passengers rescued in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 12 victims abducted by suspected kidnappers during an attack on two commercial buses in Isua Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when suspected armed kidnappers reportedly intercepted two commercial Hummer buses travelling from Benue State to Ibadan.
The attackers forcefully removed several passengers from the vehicles and marched them into a nearby forest.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command swiftly launched a coordinated rescue operation after receiving a distress call at about 1:30 a.m.
“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu, has successfully rescued 12 victims abducted during a kidnapping incident that occurred in the early hours of May 23, 2026, at Isua,” he said.
According to the police, operatives of the command, working alongside local hunters and other security stakeholders, immediately mobilised to the area and commenced an intensive bush-combing operation across the surrounding forest and difficult terrain.
“Upon arrival, the combined rescue team commenced an intensive bush-combing operation across the surrounding forests and difficult terrain where the victims were believed to have been taken, while intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking efforts were simultaneously intensified to trail the fleeing suspects,” he said.
The rescue effort later yielded results as 12 kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were rescued alive.
“The sustained pressure mounted by the combined security team yielded significant success as 12 kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were rescued alive,” DSP Jimoh said.
Police authorities added that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention and support, while efforts were ongoing to reunite them with their families.
The command, however, said operations were still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims believed to still be in captivity.
“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to reassure the public that operations are still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring all those involved in the criminal act to justice,” the statement added.
In a bid to strengthen security efforts, Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu also visited the scene of the incident, where he held strategic engagements with community leaders, local vigilante groups and other stakeholders.
During the meeting, the CP stressed the need for sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities to tackle criminal activities.

المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)