By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Akure
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 12 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers following an attack on two commercial buses in Isua Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were reportedly seized in the early hours of Saturday when armed kidnappers intercepted two commercial Hummer buses travelling from Benue State to Ibadan and forcefully marched several passengers into a nearby forest.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the Command swiftly launched a coordinated rescue operation after receiving a distress call around 1:30 a.m.
According to him, the operation was carried out under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, in collaboration with local hunters and other security stakeholders.
Jimoh said the combined team immediately began an intensive bush-combing operation across the surrounding forest and difficult terrain, while intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking efforts were intensified to trail the fleeing suspects.
“The sustained pressure mounted by the combined security team yielded significant success as 12 kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were successfully rescued alive,” he stated.
The police spokesperson added that the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and necessary support, while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.
He, however, disclosed that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of other victims believed to still be in captivity and to apprehend those behind the attack.
“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to reassure the public that operations are still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring all those involved in the criminal act to justice,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu visited the scene of the incident and held strategic meetings with community leaders, vigilante groups and other stakeholders, stressing the need for sustained collaboration between residents and security agencies in tackling criminal activities across the state.
