By Idowu Adebomi
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command successfully foiled a kidnap attempt in Akure on Tuesday, rescuing a victim and apprehending one suspect following a rapid response to distress intelligence.
The incident occurred in the Oba-Ile area, where officers on routine patrol intercepted an abduction in progress after receiving reports that a man was being held against his will in a moving vehicle.
Security sources disclosed that the police team initiated an immediate pursuit after the victim was heard shouting for help from inside a red Toyota Camry.
In an attempt to evade arrest during the high-speed chase, the suspects pushed the victim, identified as Kayode Alaba, out of the moving vehicle.
Undeterred, the operatives sustained the pursuit, which led to the arrest of one suspect, Adegbenro Adeola, and the recovery of the operational vehicle, though other members of the gang managed to escape.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Mr. Alaba had been abducted from his residence along Irese Road in Akure shortly before the police intervention.
Following his rescue, the victim was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
The arrested suspect is currently assisting investigators with information aimed at tracking down the fleeing accomplices.
The case has been officially transferred to the Violence Crime Response Unit for further investigation.
Commending the operatives for their swift action, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to help curb criminal activities across the state.