12 abducted Ondo passengers rescued

Twelve passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ondo State, Nigeria, have been rescued by a joint operation involving police and local hunters. The victims were seized early Saturday morning while traveling in two commercial Hummer buses from Benue State to Ibadan.

“

The command received a distress report at about 0130hrs that two commercial Hummer buses conveying passengers from Benue State en route Ibadan had been violently intercepted by suspected armed kidnappers.

According to Abayomi Jimoh, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, the attackers intercepted the buses and forced several passengers into a nearby forest. Upon receiving a distress report, the police immediately launched a coordinated rescue operation, mobilizing operatives and local hunters to the scene.

The combined security team conducted an intensive search of the surrounding forests and difficult terrains. This sustained pressure resulted in the successful rescue of 12 kidnapped individuals, including the drivers. The rescued passengers have been taken for medical attention and will be reunited with their families.

“

Following the report, the police immediately activated a coordinated rescue operation as operatives of the Command, alongside local hunters and other security stakeholders, were swiftly mobilised to the scene with the primary objective of rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.

While the 12 victims have been recovered, police efforts are ongoing to locate any remaining passengers and bring the perpetrators to justice. The state Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, visited the scene and engaged with community leaders and local vigilante groups. Additional tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed to bolster the ongoing rescue and manhunt operations.

“

The sustained pressure mounted by the combined security team yielded significant success as 12 kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were successfully rescued alive.