The police in Ondo State have successfully rescued a kidnap victim, Semiu Ogunniyi, and apprehended four suspected kidnappers throughout the state.
Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police (CP) in Ondo, shared this information during a press briefing on the command’s recent accomplishments on Sunday in Akure.
Mr Afolabi also reported the arrest of eight additional individuals for crimes including armed robbery, cultism, and theft. He stated that the police recovered several items from the suspects, including three single rifles, one cut-to-size pistol, two Volkswagen Vento vehicles, and three motorbikes.
The CP explained that the victim was kidnapped on May 14, 2025, in the vicinity of Iku Quarters, Ikare-Akoko. He noted that a combined tactical team of operatives and local hunters managed to rescue the victim unharmed without the payment of ransom, capturing one suspect in the process.
“The joint team strategically laid an ambush in a forest area near Supare in Akoko, believed to be a rendezvous point for the suspects, who had demanded a ransom of N14 million. During the interception, the suspects engaged the operatives in a fierce gun duel. In the exchange, several of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries,” Mr Afolabi stated.
He further reported that one suspect, identified as Babuga Muhammed, from Igana, Iseyin, Oyo State, was apprehended and is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries at the state Specialist Hospital. Efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the remaining suspects who fled with injuries.
Additionally, Mr Afolabi disclosed that three other suspected kidnappers confessed to their involvement in various kidnapping incidents across the state. He identified 25-year-old Ibrahim Umar and 38-year-old Paul Osanyiduro, who were arrested at Sabo Soja and Africa Kingdom Restaurant in Owo, as well as 30-year-old Abubakar Bamoh, an indigene from Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, who was apprehended at a Fulani camp in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area.
The CP indicated that Mr Bamoh is alleged to be a key logistics provider for kidnapping syndicates operating across state lines and played a significant role in a kidnapping incident that occurred in Osun State, where the victim was held hostage in a forest in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State.
In conclusion, Mr Afolabi reaffirmed the command’s dedication to combating crime, ensuring public safety, and promoting peace within communities. “We urge residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies. Together, we can and will build a safer Ondo State,” he emphasised.
