News Investigators/ The Police Command in Ondo State says it has rescued a 26-year-old woman, who was allegedly abducted and arrested four suspects linked to the incident in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s Spokesperson, who made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Akure, said the incident was reported on Monday.
Mr Jimoh said the victim, Miss Ogechi John, was forcibly taken away by unidentified men at Gozako Filling Station along Emure–Akure Expressway.
He explained that the suspects reportedly arrived in an ash-coloured unregistered Toyota Camry before abducting the victim and fleeing towards an unknown destination.
The spokesperson said the command immediately activated a coordinated response alongside Amotekun, local hunters and vigilantes, upon receipt of the distress report.
According to him, the strategic entry and exit points within Owo and adjoining communities were swiftly secured, while multiple patrol and tactical teams were deployed to comb nearby bushes.
“The prompt and coordinated response yielded immediate results as the suspected getaway vehicle was later discovered abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo.
“Acting on intelligence gathered during the operation, police operatives arrested three suspects found in possession of a lady’s motorcycle believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
“The suspects were identified as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21 ; Osho Joseph, 24, and one other.
“During preliminary interrogation, one of the suspects disclosed that the abandoned Toyota Camry had earlier been handed over to a herbalist identified as Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who is currently at large.
“Sustained operational pressure and intelligence-driven efforts by the police culminated in the successful rescue of the victim, John.
“She has been rescued safely and is currently receiving the necessary support while investigators continue to process relevant evidence,” he said.
Mr Jimoh explained that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and identify any other persons who may have played a role in the crime, and ensure the successful prosecution of all culpable persons.
The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the professionalism, resilience and swift response of the officers involved in the operation.
Mr Jimoh also said the CP reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and assured residents that criminal elements would continue to find no safe haven within Ondo State.
He, therefore, urged members of the public to remain security conscious and continue to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and aiding investigations.
According to him, the command remains steadfast in its resolve to rid the State of criminal elements and ensure that all persons involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
NAN