The Ondo state police command says its operatives have arrested five suspected kidnappers allegedly linked to the abduction of two school children in Ore, Odigbo LGA.
Abayomi Jimoh, public relations officer of the command, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the suspects were apprehended by the command’s special anti-kidnapping squad after an intelligence-led operation.
Jimoh said the incident was reported on May 12 by Andrew Yohana of the Jerry Sawmill area in Ore, who informed the police that his two sons, Jehu, 10, and Yohana, 5, had been kidnapped on their way to school by “unknown persons”.
“Upon receipt of the report, detectives of the Command immediately swung into action. The scene was visited and intensive intelligence-driven investigations commenced,” the statement reads.
“Through painstaking technical intelligence, tracking analysis, and coordinated investigative efforts, operatives were able to uncover the identities and locations of the suspects.
“Consequently, the investigation led to the arrest of Taofeek Lukman ‘M’, aged 23 years, and Blessing Saturday ‘M’, aged 27 years, around the Alaba Area of Ore. During the operation, the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand Naira (₦251,000), reasonably suspected to be proceeds from the ransom collected from the family before the victims’ release, was recovered from the suspects.”
He said further investigations uncovered other suspected members of the gang identified as Peter Moses, 25, Sunday Isaac, 23, and Sanusi Dan Asabe, 37.
Jimoh said suspects have made confessional statements detailing the roles they allegedly played in the kidnapping and would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
He also said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional exhibits connected to the crime.
Felix Ohagwu, commissioner of police in the state, commended the operatives for their “professionalism and intelligence-led approach”.
Ohagwu also lauded Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the inspector-general of police, for his “proactive crime-fighting strategies and continuous encouragement to officers and men of the Force”.
“He further assured residents that the Command remains resolute in ensuring the safety of lives and property while warning criminal elements to desist from all forms of criminal activities or face the full weight of the law,” the statement reads.
“The Command also urges members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the State of criminal elements.”
