Police rescue 12 kidnapped bus passengers in Ondo

Police officers in Ondo have rescued 12 passengers kidnapped by criminals in the state.

The victims were abducted early Saturday morning in Isua-Akoko, Akoko South East Local Government Area of ​​the state.

Spokesman of the state police command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the news in a statement in Akure.

He said the victims were on two Hiace commercial buses carrying passengers from Benue State en route to Ibadan.

Jimoh added that the rescue followed an emergency report received by the command at around 1.30am, that passengers of a commercial bus had been violently intercepted by suspected armed kidnappers.

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According to him, the assailants reportedly forced several passengers out of the vehicle and drove them into a nearby forest.

“Following the report, police immediately activated a coordinated rescue operation as command officers, alongside local hunters and other security stakeholders, were quickly mobilized to the scene.

“Upon arrival, joint rescue teams began intensive bush-combing operations around the forest and difficult terrain where it is believed the victims were taken.

“Intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking efforts were simultaneously intensified to track the fleeing suspects and facilitate the safe rescue of the remaining victims.

“Sustained pressure exerted by the joint security team resulted in significant success when 12 abducted victims, including the driver of the affected bus, were rescued alive.

“The rescued victims are currently receiving the necessary medical care and support while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families,” the spokesperson said.