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By Faheem Lawal
The Ondo State Police Command has foiled two separate kidnap attempts within hours of each other in Owo Local Government Area, rescuing a pastor and his family in the first operation.
The command also rescued a woman and her two children in the second operation, while a man sustained a gunshot wound during the attacks.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the incidents occurred on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
According to him, the first attack took place at about 7:05 p.m. when a six-man armed kidnapping gang stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), B Division, Owo, immediately mobilised and led a patrol team to the scene. Upon arrival, operatives encountered the armed assailants, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
The superior tactical response of the police forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their mission. Pastor Taiwo and his family were rescued unharmed and relocated to a safer location.
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Later that night, at about 11:10 p.m., another armed gang attacked Daniel Ologun, 39, a resident of Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo.
During the attack, Ologun sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg, while the assailants forcefully abducted his wife, Mrs. Taibat Ologun, 34, and their two children, aged four and two years, dragging them into the bush.
Police immediately launched a rescue operation.
In a coordinated search-and-rescue effort involving police operatives and personnel of the Nigerian Army, Mrs. Ologun and her two children were rescued unhurt at about 1:50 a.m., while the assailants fled with gunshot injuries.
Ologun was promptly taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he is responding positively to treatment.
Joint security teams comprising police and military personnel have intensified bush-combing operations in the affected areas and adjoining forests to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal hideouts within the axis.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the bravery and swift response of the operatives, as well as the support of the Nigerian Army. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies.
