Two kidnap victims were on Wednesday rescued from Itaogbolu forest, in Akure North LGA of Ondo State after suspected kidnappers abandoned them during a hot chase by security operatives.
The operatives also apprehended one of the suspects during the encounter.
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It was gathered that one Mr David and his wife were kidnapped from their farm hut located at Odeigede Camp, a border community of Ekiti and Ondo States, at about 5 a.m.
The police were quickly alerted, and they, acting jointly with local vigilante groups, launched a pursuit of the kidnappers.
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The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the operation was led by operatives from the Iju–Itaogbolu Division and the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS), working closely with vigilant youth of the community.
He said the team advanced into the forest terrain in pursuit of the kidnappers.
He said that as the pressure from the combined team intensified, the suspected kidnappers abandoned the victims.
Mr David reportedly suffered machete cuts before he managed to escape alongside his wife.
Mr Ayanlade said that despite rescuing the victims, the operatives relentlessly pursued the kidnappers further into the forest.
” This tactical effort led to the discovery of a hut where one suspect was arrested. Items recovered include a Samsung Note 10 mobile phone, a sword, and a broken bottle found in the suspect’s pocket,” Mr Ayanlade said.
“Although the kidnappers wore masks during the incident, the physical build and appearance of the arrested suspect matched the description provided by the victim.
“The suspect has since been cooperating with investigators and giving useful information, aiding ongoing efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplice(s).
“All recovered exhibits have been handed over to SAKS for further investigation.”
The police attributed the success of the operation to the effective collaboration between the police and the community.
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The State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the Iju–Itaogbolu Divisional Police Station, the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and the courageous youth of the community whose timely cooperation contributed immensely to the rescue.
He also commended the officers who participated for their dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism.
In a related development, a police officer was reportedly stabbed by a hoodlum along Arakale road, Akure, on Wednesday morning.
Police said the suspect was immediately arrested, and further efforts were made in the evening to arrest others involved.
