The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped health worker of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Mr. Ayodeji Akinsero, who was abducted on Thursday evening by armed men in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the release of the victim, stating that Akinsero was rescued unhurt on Saturday following a joint operation involving police operatives and the local vigilante group in Upenme.
According to Ayanlade, the kidnappers abandoned the victim after being confronted in a gun battle during a bush-combing operation that lasted from Thursday night into Friday. He emphasised that no ransom was paid before the rescue.
He explained:
“Upon receiving the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, immediately gave a clear directive that the victim must be rescued at all cost.
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“Acting on this directive, the Area Command in Owo, working in synergy with the Divisional Police, operatives of the Command, and the Upenme Vigilante Group, launched a coordinated operation.
“The joint team, working tirelessly and in close collaboration, deployed credible intelligence and embarked on aggressive bush-combing operations throughout Thursday and into Friday night.
“Their sustained efforts paid off when the kidnappers, confronted in a gun duel, were forced to flee, abandoning the victim.
“He was rescued unhurt without any ransom being paid, immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for medical attention, and has since been joyfully reunited with his family.”
The Command commended the gallantry and resilience of the police operatives and the Upenme Vigilante Group, whose collaboration and sacrifices were instrumental to the successful rescue.
It also acknowledged the invaluable role of members of the public, who provided timely and actionable information that aided the operation.
Akinsero was abducted on August 28 by gunmen who stormed his residence in Upenme community, creating panic among residents. His abduction sparked outrage among his colleagues at the FMC and heightened fears over the resurgence of kidnapping incidents in parts of the state.
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