The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of Mr. Ayodeji Akesinro, a staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, who was abducted by armed men at his residence in Upenme community, Owo Local Government Area, on Thursday evening.
The state police spokesperson, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, said in a statement on Saturday that Akesinro was rescued unhurt by a joint team of police operatives and local vigilantes following a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adebowale Lawal.
“The joint team, working tirelessly and in close collaboration, deployed credible intelligence and embarked on aggressive bush combing operations throughout Thursday and into Friday night,” Ayanlade explained.
He added that the kidnappers engaged the security team in a gun battle but fled the forest, abandoning their victim.
“Their sustained efforts paid off when the kidnappers, confronted in a gun duel, were forced to flee, abandoning the victim. He was rescued unhurt without any ransom being paid, immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for medical attention, and has since been joyfully reunited with his family,” the police spokesman stated.
Although no arrest has been made yet, Ayanlade assured that efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators.
The state chapter of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria had earlier condemned the abduction and urged the government to intensify security efforts to secure Akesinro’s release.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal reaffirmed the command’s determination to clamp down on criminal activities in the state.
“In recent times, perpetrators of kidnappings and other violent crimes have either been arrested or neutralised, with victims rescued unharmed. This latest operation once again demonstrates the command’s resolve. We will not rest on our oars but will continue to collaborate with state and non-state actors to guarantee the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens,” he said.