Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command on Sunday foiled an attempted kidnapping in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of the state, following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers.
The operation led to the successful rescue of a community leader, Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, and his family members, who were the targets of the attack.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the command received a distress call at about 7:05 p.m. reporting that a six-man armed gang had invaded the residence of the community leader with the intention of abducting him.
According to Jimoh, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, immediately mobilised a patrol team to the scene in response to the emergency call.
Upon arrival, the police operatives engaged the armed suspects in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee into the surrounding bush.
“The superior tactical response and determination of the police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan,” the police spokesperson stated.
He added that Pastor Taiwo and his family were rescued unharmed and subsequently moved to a safer location to ensure their security and protection.
The command assured residents of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
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