Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command engaged and foiled an attempted abduction by a six-man gang targeting Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, in Owo town on Sunday night.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed this in a statement on Monday, said that officers responded to a 7:05 p.m. distress call, initiating a gun battle with the suspects.
The PPRO said the assailants subsequently abandoned their plans, leading to the rescue of the intended victim and his family.
The statement reads, “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, mobilized 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 intended victim and his family members were successfully rescued and unharmed and subsequently relocated to a safer location for enhanced security and protection”.
