Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers following the escape of a 55-year-old man, Idowu Alade, from his abductors’ hideout in the Idoani area of Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, Usman Shaibu, 25, and Sanni Musa, 27, were arrested by a patrol team from the Isua Division, shortly after the victim escaped from the kidnappers’ camp.
Alade was reportedly abducted at about 6:00 pm on August 21 at Aroge Camp, via Idoani, after he left his residence to purchase a network recharge card but failed to return.
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According to the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, explained that a search operation was launched the following morning by operatives of the command in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, Ose Bravers Vigilante Group and local hunters.
He said the victim, however, reportedly escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout at about 4:00 am on August 23 while his captors were asleep and later emerged through the Ifira area.
Jimoh said security operatives, acting on credible intelligence, located the victim, rescued him and ensured that he received medical attention for injuries sustained during the ordeal.
He said following the victim’s escape, a red alert was reportedly placed across the axis, leading to the arrest of the two suspects.
The Police spokesperson explained that the victim positively identified Shaibu and Musa during a formal identification process, while his mobile phone was also recovered from the suspects.
The suspects were said to have confessed to their involvement in the abduction and provided information on other persons allegedly linked to the criminal network, including an accomplice reportedly based in Auchi.
The PPRO said the command directed that the suspects and case file be transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet investigation and possible arrest of other members of the syndicate.
He commended the police operatives and other security stakeholders involved in the operation, assuring residents that the command would continue to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
He also urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to assist in preventing and detecting crimes.