Police arrest four suspected kidnappers linked to Ondo community abduction

Detectives from the Ondo state Police Command have arrested four suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for the recent violent attack and abduction in the Ilu-Abo community, in Akure North local government area of Ondo state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Abayomi Jimoh, who disclosed this to newsmen, said the kidnap syndicate followed intensive intelligence-driven operations launched by the Command.

According to the police spokesperson, the armed assailants attacked residents at Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo, during the incident and shot a victim, abducted one other, and caused injuries to two others.

He explained that vigilante members in the community apprehended one of the suspects, identified as Abenaguna Muhammad, in the community.

The suspect was reportedly found in possession of suspected criminal objects and was promptly handed over to police operatives for discreet investigation.

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“During interrogation, Muhammad allegedly confessed to being an active member of a kidnapping syndicate operating along the Ala/Ilu-Abo axis. He also admitted his involvement in the January 25 attack and abduction.

The suspect further disclosed the identities of other members of the gang, naming the alleged ringleader as Lanre, popularly known as “Lanre Tomato,” alongside two others identified as Ojo and Pius.

“Following the confession, the Ondo State Police Command intensified its intelligence-led operations, leading to the arrest of the remaining suspects.

“Tactical units were deployed, intelligence networks were expanded and coordinated operations were carried out to track the suspects to their hideouts”

He, however, said all four suspects were arrested and are currently in police custody as investigations continue and said efforts are ongoing to recover weapons and other exhibits, while the command had uncovered additional criminal links.

Jimoh said the three or four suspects would be charged in court immediately after the conclusion of the investigations.

The PPRO commended the local vigilante in the Ilu-Abo community for its vigilance, courage and timely cooperation with security agencies, describing their intervention as a practical example of effective community policing.

He noted that the swift response of residents played a critical role in unmasking the perpetrators of violent crimes along the Ala/Ilu-Abo corridor and reassured the public of the Command’s resolve to sustain proactive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

Jimoh reiterated the command’s commitment to community policing and inter-agency collaboration, stressing that cooperation with other security agencies and non-conventional security outfits remains a key pillar in the fight against kidnapping and other organised crimes in the state.

He charged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies.