The Ondo State Police Command has said a woman foiled a suspected child theft attempt as community members arrested two suspects in Ogbagi Akoko.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command said the incident occurred on March 22, 2026, following a report by one Mrs. Olanireti ‘F’.

According to the statement, the complainant had sent her three-year-old son, Alex Ayobami ‘M’, to his grandmother when an alarm was raised by a concerned resident who noticed suspicious activity involving the child.

The police said the suspects, identified as Adefarati Idowu ‘M’ and Adepoju Babatunde ‘M’, were intercepted while attempting to flee on an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle with the child.

It added that the child’s grandmother, Mrs. Olawale ‘F’, intervened by holding onto the motorcycle, while other residents mobilised and blocked the suspects from escaping, leading to their arrest.

“The child was successfully rescued unhurt,” the statement said, adding that the suspects were apprehended through the collective efforts of community members and the police.

The command said the case had been transferred to the headquarters for “discreet and thorough investigation,” noting that efforts were ongoing to uncover any wider criminal network connected to the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the community for its vigilance and prompt response.

“This incident underscores the importance of community policing and the critical role citizens play in supporting security agencies,” the statement said.

The command advised parents and guardians to remain vigilant and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

It reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents of continued efforts to curb criminal activities across the state. (The PUNCH)

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