The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a 26-year-old woman who was allegedly abducted in Owo and arrested four suspects in connection with the incident.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the victim, identified as Ogechi John, was reportedly kidnapped on June 8, 2026, at Gozako Filling Station along the Emure–Akure Expressway by unidentified men who arrived in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry without registration plates.
Following the report, the police launched a joint operation with Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilante groups. Security operatives immediately secured strategic entry and exit points around Owo and adjoining communities while tactical teams searched nearby forests and possible escape routes.
The operation led to the recovery of the suspected getaway vehicle, which was found abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo. Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, police arrested four suspects identified as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21; Osho Joseph, 24; and Lawal Mariam.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the abandoned vehicle had allegedly been handed over to a herbalist identified as Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who remains at large.
The Command confirmed that sustained intelligence-led efforts eventually resulted in the safe rescue of the victim. She is currently receiving support while investigations continue.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects and determine the extent of their involvement in the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, commended the officers and security personnel involved in the operation, describing their response as professional and effective. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to aid crime-fighting efforts.
The Ondo State Police Command assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that all persons connected to the incident will be brought to justice.