A dramatic rescue operation occurred in Akure, Ondo State, after a kidnapped victim, Kayode Alaba, raised an alarm from inside a moving vehicle conveying him, prompting a swift police pursuit.

Alaba was reportedly abducted along Irese Road in Akure but regained his freedom on Tuesday following a rapid response by police operatives on patrol around the Oba-Ile axis of the state capital.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Akure.

He said the rescue followed credible intelligence about a distress situation involving an occupant of a red Toyota Camry.

According to him, operatives immediately mobilised after receiving reports that someone inside the vehicle was shouting for help and launched a coordinated chase.

Abayomi explained that during the pursuit, the suspects forcefully pushed the victim out of the moving vehicle in an attempt to escape. One suspect, identified as Adegbenro Adeola, was arrested, while others fled the scene.

“The information indicated that an individual was shouting for help from within a red Toyota Camry. Upon receipt of the report, the operatives swiftly mobilised and initiated a coordinated pursuit of the suspected vehicle,” he said.

“During the chase, the suspects forcefully ejected the victim, later identified as Kayode Alaba (male), from the moving vehicle in a bid to evade arrest. The police sustained the pursuit, which led to the arrest of one suspect while others escaped, and the vehicle was recovered,” he added.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Alaba had earlier been abducted from his residence along Irese Road before the police intervention.

The victim is currently receiving medical attention, while the arrested suspect is assisting investigators with useful information.

Abayomi further disclosed that the case has been transferred to the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Akure for further investigation and efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

“He (Lawal) reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Ondo State and assures the public that all perpetrators of criminal acts will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.

“The Command also urges residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely, credible and actionable information to police, as collective efforts remain vital in the fight against crime,” the statement added. (The Nation)