ONDO STATE, NIGERIA. Officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State, located in southwestern Nigeria, have successfully prevented a mass abduction and rescued two victims. The incident took place at a social gathering along the route connecting the communities of Idogun and Imeri within the Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The attack occurred on Friday, April 10, 2026, at about 5:45 p.m. West African Time. Armed individuals suspected to be kidnappers invaded a venue where guests were gathered. Kidnapping for ransom has become a prevalent security challenge across various regions of Nigeria, making swift interventions by security agencies crucial for public safety.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Ondo State Command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the rescue operation in a public statement released on Saturday, April 11, 2026. He noted that law enforcement officers responded immediately after receiving distress calls from the area. The rapid deployment allowed the police to interrupt the attack before the armed men could take away multiple hostages.
“Acting swiftly on distress information, operatives of the command were immediately mobilised to the scene, engaging the criminals and disrupting their operation,” the police statement read. During the confrontation, the officers successfully secured two attendees who had been captured by the assailants. Okay News reports that both individuals were promptly transported to a nearby medical facility for necessary medical attention and evaluation.
The incident directly affected the guests at the gathering and has raised concerns among local residents. However, the Commissioner of Police for Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, praised the responding officers for their bravery and quick action. He also expressed gratitude to the local citizens who provided the rapid intelligence that made the rescue possible.
Moving forward, the police command has deployed additional tactical reinforcements to the Ose Local Government Area. Security personnel are currently conducting extensive search operations in the surrounding forests and communities to track down the fleeing suspects. The authorities have advised residents to remain calm but vigilant while security forces work to restore total safety to the region.
