Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have foiled an attempted abduction of a cleric, Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Sunday night in Ojana New Area, Owo, after armed men reportedly invaded the residence of the pastor with the intention of abducting him.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the command responded swiftly after receiving a distress alert.
According to the police, the incident happened at about 7:05 p.m. when information reached security operatives that a six-man armed gang had stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo, who is also the Chairman of Ojana New Area.
Acting on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, immediately mobilised patrol personnel to the location.
Upon arrival at the scene, the officers reportedly engaged the armed suspects in an exchange of gunfire.
The command stated that the tactical response and resistance mounted by the police forced the attackers to abandon the operation and retreat into nearby bushes.
“At about 7:05 p.m., when the Police received a distress call indicating that a six-man armed kidnapping gang had stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him.
“Acting promptly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Owo, mobilised and led a patrol team to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the armed assailants, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
“The superior tactical response and determination of the police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan,” the statement read.
The police confirmed that Pastor Taiwo and members of his family were rescued unharmed.
Authorities further disclosed that the family has been relocated to a safer location as part of measures to strengthen their security and prevent any further threat.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
