Twelve Kidnapped Passengers Rescued in Ondo State

On May 23, 2026, twelve kidnapped passengers, including a driver, were successfully rescued by the Ondo State Police Command after a distress call was received at 1:30 AM. The incident occurred when armed kidnappers intercepted two commercial buses traveling from Benue State to Ibadan.

The police, led by Deputy Superintendent Abayomi Jimoh, swiftly launched a coordinated rescue operation, collaborating with local hunters and security stakeholders. They mobilized to the area and commenced an intensive search across the surrounding forest, which presented difficult terrain.

The operation involved strategic tracking efforts that ultimately led to the successful rescue of the twelve victims, who were reported to be alive and receiving necessary medical attention. Police Commissioner Felix Ohagwu later visited the scene and held a strategic meeting with community leaders and local vigilante groups to emphasize the importance of sustained collaboration among security agencies and the community to combat kidnapping and criminal activities in the state.