Residents of Owo, Ondo State, were thrown into panic on Sunday night as suspected kidnappers launched two separate attacks, targeting a pastor and a family of four in different parts of the town .
The incidents, which occurred within hours of each other, highlighted the growing threat posed by criminal gangs but also showcased the swift intervention of security agencies that prevented what could have become tragic abductions .
First Attack: Pastor Targeted
The first attack occurred around 7:05 p.m. when a six-man gang of armed kidnappers invaded the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area in Owo . The gunmen arrived with the intention of abducting the community leader .
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, immediately led a patrol team to the scene . The operatives engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to retreat into the nearby bush without carrying out their mission .
"The superior tactical response and determination of the police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan," Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh confirmed .
Pastor Taiwo and members of his family were rescued unharmed and subsequently relocated to a safer location for enhanced security and protection .
Second Attack: Family of Four Abducted
Barely four hours later, another gang struck at Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo . The assailants attacked 39-year-old Daniel Ologun, shooting him in the left leg before forcefully abducting his wife, Mrs. Taibat Ologun, 34, and their two children, aged four and two years .
Police operatives, upon receiving information about the incident, launched an immediate rescue operation alongside personnel of the Nigerian Army . The joint security forces mounted pressure on the kidnappers, combing surrounding forests and blocking all escape routes .
The operation paid off in the early hours of Monday when Mrs. Ologun and her two children were rescued unharmed at about 1:50 a.m. . The kidnappers reportedly abandoned their captives and escaped into the bush, some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the operation .
Daniel Ologun was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively .
Police Intensify Operations
Ondo State Police Commissioner, Felix Ohagwu, has directed investigators to debrief the rescued victims to gather intelligence for ongoing investigations .
"The command has also strengthened tactical deployments across the area and adjoining communities," DSP Jimoh stated .
Joint security teams comprising police officers and military personnel have intensified bush-combing operations across the affected areas and adjoining forests to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal hideouts .
Call for Vigilance
The Police Public Relations Officer reassured residents of the command's commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state . He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities .
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