A dramatic gunfight between operatives of the Ondo State Police Command and suspected kidnappers has led to the rescue of a 61-year-old woman who was abducted from her home in Owo.
The victim, Mrs. Modupe Oladele, regained her freedom after police tracked down the armed men and engaged them in a shootout in the Ojana Phase 3 area of the town.
The Command disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, that the incident occurred in the early hours of June 23, 2026, when the gunmen reportedly stormed the woman’s residence, abducted her at gunpoint and escaped with her Toyota Matrix vehicle bearing registration number WWW-434-AG.
According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Owo, received a distress call at about 2:50 a.m. and immediately deployed operatives to trail the fleeing suspects.
The police team subsequently tracked the kidnappers to the outskirts and bush area of Ojana Phase 3, where a fierce exchange of gunfire broke out between both sides.
The operatives eventually overpowered the suspects, rescued the victim unharmed and recovered the stolen vehicle.
Police authorities said the kidnappers fled into the surrounding forest, with some of them believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation.
Jimoh disclosed that items recovered from the scene included two expended cartridges, a sandal believed to have been abandoned by one of the fleeing suspects and a torchlight.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene include two expended cartridges, one sandal believed to have been abandoned by one of the fleeing suspects, and one torch light,” he said.
He added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
“Efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang. The case has been referred to the appropriate investigative unit for discreet and comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting all those connected with the crime,” Jimoh stated.
The police spokesperson also revealed that the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, commended the officers involved in the operation for their bravery and swift response.
“The Commissioner of Police commends the gallantry and swift response of the operatives involved in the rescue operation. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State and assures residents that no effort will be spared in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he added.
The Command further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and investigations.
“The Command further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police by promptly reporting suspicious persons, activities, or movements to the nearest police formation. Timely and credible information from the public remains a critical tool in the fight against crime and criminality,” Jimoh said.
