Injured kidnapper tracked down as police free victim in Ondo

A suspected kidnapper has been arrested in Ondo State following a swift police operation that also led to the rescue of an abducted victim in Isua-Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area.

The state Police Command confirmed that the breakthrough came after a report was lodged at the Isua Divisional Headquarters. According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the complaint was filed by a man identified as Ahmadu, who said two young men had travelled to Ipesi Akoko for cattle rearing but only one returned.

Police immediately launched a targeted operation based on the information received. Their efforts paid off as the abducted individual was freed and one suspect apprehended.

Providing details, Jimoh said, “Acting on the report, the police immediately initiated a coordinated intelligence-driven operation, which led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victim.”,

He added that the victim recounted how he was seized at night by three assailants and managed to injure one of them during a struggle.

“The victim narrated that he was abducted at night by three suspected kidnappers. During the incident, while trying to resist his captors, he inflicted a head injury on one of the suspects,” Jimoh said.

Acting on this lead, officers traced and arrested a man at Obasanjo Motor Park in Isua in the early hours of the morning.

“Acting swiftly on credible information obtained from the victim, operatives of the Isua division mobilised and stormed Obasanjo Motor Park, Isua, at about 0609hrs, where a suspicious individual with a visible head injury was apprehended,” he stated.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted involvement in the crime, while the rescued victim identified him as one of his captors.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of the kidnapping gang. The victim later, positively identified the suspect, particularly noting the injury inflicted on him,” Jimoh added.

The police spokesperson said the rescued individual is receiving treatment, while the suspect has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation. He noted that prosecution would follow once investigations are concluded.

He also conveyed the appreciation of the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, to members of the public whose information aided the operation, stressing the importance of community cooperation.

“The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ondo State. It also urges residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and useful information,” he said.