Ondo: Police rescue abducted couple, arrest suspect

Men of the Ondo State Police Command on Wednesday night rescued a couple, identified as Mr. and Mrs. David, who were abducted earlier in the day on their farm by suspected kidnappers in the Itaogbolu area of Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

The couple were reportedly taken from their farm hut at Odeigede Camp, a border community between Ekiti and Ondo States, at about 5 a.m.

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The incident was immediately reported to the police, who, working jointly with local vigilante groups, launched a pursuit of the kidnappers.

Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade said the rescue operation was coordinated by officers from the Iju–Itaogbolu Division and the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS), alongside vigilant youths of the community.

He explained that the joint team advanced deep into the Itaogbolu forest in search of the victims, adding that pressure from the security teams forced the kidnappers to abandon the couple.

It was gathered that Mr. David, who suffered machete cuts before managing to escape with his wife, was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Ayanlade added that the operatives continued the chase after rescuing the victims and discovered a hut where one suspect was arrested.

According to him, some items were recovered from the scene, including a Samsung Note 10 phone, a sword, and a broken bottle found in the suspect’s pocket.

Ayanlade, however, said that although the kidnappers were masked, the build and appearance of the arrested suspect matched the description given by the victims.

He said the suspect has been cooperating with investigators, helping efforts to track down fleeing accomplices, while all recovered exhibits have been handed over to SAKS for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the officers involved, as well as community youths, for their timely support, professionalism, and dedication during the operation.

In a separate incident, a police officer was reportedly stabbed by a hoodlum along Arakale Road in Akure on Wednesday morning.

Police authorities said the suspect was immediately arrested, while further arrests were made later in the evening.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE