Ondo police rescue three kidnap victims

Three persons, Timilehin Akomolafe, Michael Popoola and Henry Usifo, who were kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Ondo State last week Friday, have been rescued by the state Police Command.

The victims were kidnapped between Nirowi and MTN Mast around Ore, Odigbo Local Council when they were travelling to Lagos State.

The state Commissioner for Police, Olugbenga Adeyanju, revealed yesterday that police had intensified efforts to arrest the kidnappers whom he said sustained bullet wounds.

He said a contingent of police officer ran into the scene and engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, injuring one of the kidnappers who escaped into the bush.

The commissioner said the command, in collaboration with local hunters, combed the bush and were able to rescue the victims unhurt and without paying ransom.

Nonetheless, he appreciated the state government for providing motorcycles and logistics, which enabled the police to access the terrain and rescue the victims.

He said the police would arrest the culprits and prosecute them and urged the people to always cooperate with the police to reduce crime in the state.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), lauded the police, the local hunters and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) for working together to rescue the victims.

Akeredolu, who expressed satisfaction with the rescue mission pledged to continue to provide necessary support for security agencies in the state.