Police rescue victim, nab suspect as gunmen launch attacks on Oyo villages

By Ayoride Oluokun

Operatives of Oyo Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim and the arrested of suspect allegedly linked to coordinated attacks on Otefon and Amalu villages in Oyo State.

DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the spokesperson for Oyo Police Command announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the operatives at the Atiba Division had responded to reports indicating that armed hoodlums numbering about eight invaded Otefon Village in the early hours of the day.

Olayinka said the report indicated that the assailants abducted one Taiwo John, also known as “Ogo Oluwa,” aged 40 and also made away with an undisclosed sum of money belonging to the victim’s wives as well as the victim’s Android mobile phone.

But he added that while efforts were being intensified to respond to the Otefon incident, a related report was received from Ikoyi-Ile Division that the same criminal syndicate had extended its operation to Amalu Village via Ahorọ Dada.

He added that in a similar pattern, the armed men invaded a residential compound and abducted one Usman Amadu, thereby confirming coordinated attacks within the same operational corridor.

Olayinka added that consequently, the Oyo Police Command immediately activated its anti-kidnapping response architecture, deploying tactical teams to strategic locations across the affected axis.

He added that through intelligence-led surveillance, coordinated bush combing operations, and sustained operational pressure, security operatives successfully rescued one of the kidnapped victims unhurt and arrested one Ibrahim Sani in connection with the crimes.

The Oyo Police spokesperson claimed the suspect has since confessed to the commission of the said offences and is currently in custody, assisting ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling the entire criminal network.

He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional exhibits linked to the incidents.

“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, reassures residents that the Command remains resolute and proactive in confronting criminal elements threatening public safety.

“He further urges members of the public to sustain their cooperation with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information, as community partnership remains a critical pillar in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes,” Olayinka said.