12 kidnapped passengers rescued in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 12 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers during an attack on two commercial buses in Isua Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when armed kidnappers reportedly intercepted two commercial Hummer buses travelling from Benue State to Ibadan. […]
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 12 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers during an attack on two commercial buses in Isua Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when armed kidnappers reportedly intercepted two commercial Hummer buses travelling from Benue State to Ibadan.
The attackers forcefully removed several passengers from the vehicles and marched them into a nearby forest.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command swiftly launched a coordinated rescue operation after receiving a distress call at about 1:30 a.m.
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“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu, has successfully rescued 12 victims abducted during a kidnapping incident that occurred in the early hours of May 23, 2026, at Isua,” he said.
According to the police spokesman, operatives of the command, in collaboration with local hunters and other security stakeholders, immediately mobilised to the area and commenced an intensive bush-combing operation across the surrounding forests and difficult terrain.
“Upon arrival, the combined rescue team commenced an intensive bush-combing operation across the surrounding forests and difficult terrains where the victims were believed to have been taken, while intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking efforts were simultaneously intensified to trail the fleeing suspects,” Jimoh stated.
The operation eventually yielded results, leading to the rescue of 12 abducted victims, including the drivers of the two affected buses.
“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 added.
The police said the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and necessary support, while efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.
However, the command noted that operations are ongoing to secure the release of other victims believed to still be in captivity.
“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 said.
As part of efforts to strengthen security in the area, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, later visited the scene of the incident, where he held strategic meetings with community leaders, local vigilante groups and other stakeholders.
During the engagements, the police commissioner emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.