By Paul Joseph
The Ondo State Police Command has thwarted two separate kidnap attempts in Owo Local Government Area, rescuing all intended victims, including a pastor and a family of four, after swift security operations that forced the armed kidnappers to flee with gunshot injuries.
The dramatic incidents, which unfolded within hours of each other on Sunday night, highlight the Command’s intensified offensive against kidnapping and violent crime under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu.
The first attack occurred at about 7:05 p.m. when a six-man gang of armed kidnappers invaded the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, in an apparent attempt to abduct him.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Owo, immediately led a patrol team to the scene. The operatives engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to retreat into the nearby bush without carrying out their mission.
Pastor Taiwo and his family were rescued unharmed and relocated to a secure location as a precautionary measure.
Barely four hours later, another gang struck at Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo, where they attacked 39-year-old Daniel Ologun. During the assault, the gunmen shot Ologun in the left leg before abducting his wife, Mrs. Taibat Ologun, and their two children, aged four and two years, into the forest.
Police operatives swiftly launched a rescue mission immediately after receiving the report. Working alongside personnel of the Nigerian Army, security forces mounted intense pressure on the fleeing kidnappers, disrupting their escape route.
The sustained operation paid off at about 1:50 a.m. when Mrs. Ologun and her two children were rescued unhurt after the kidnappers abandoned them while fleeing into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
Daniel Ologun was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he is currently receiving treatment and is said to be responding positively.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that joint security teams comprising police officers and military personnel have intensified bush-combing operations across the affected areas and adjoining forests to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal hideouts.
Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu has directed investigators to immediately debrief the rescued victims to gather intelligence that will aid ongoing investigations and facilitate the arrest of the perpetrators. He also ordered that all rescued victims be reunited with their families while ensuring adequate security measures are put in place for their continued safety.
The Police Commissioner commended the courage and professionalism displayed by the operatives, as well as the support of the Nigerian Army and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the successful rescue operations.
He reassured residents that the Command remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property across Ondo State, urging citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities as security agencies intensify efforts to rid the state of kidnappers and other criminal elements.
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