Detectives from the Ondo State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim, Ogechi John in a coordinated operation in a ritualist den at Owo Local Government Area of the state.

John, 26, was rescued from the den following a swift response by operatives after receiving a distress alert on the abduction.

The victim, who is a petrol attendant, at the Gozako Filling Station on the Emure/Akure Expressway, was reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening by gun wielding men.

His abductors were said to have arrived in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

Sources in the area said the incident triggered panic among residents, who alerted security agencies shortly after the abduction.

The police command spokesman, DSP Jimoh Abayomi who confirmed his rescue, said the operation was carried out by tactical teams who combed nearby forests and surrounding communities, leading to the safe rescue of the victim.

Jimoh said police operatives, working alongside Amotekun personnel, local hunters and vigilantes, swiftly mobilised to track the kidnappers and secure major routes within Owo and neighbouring communities.

According to him, a vehicle suspected to belong to the suspects was recovered in a bush at Ojana, while four suspects identified as Friday Shola, Friday Monday, Osho Joseph and Lawal Mariam were arrested in connection with the case.

He added that preliminary investigations linked the suspects to the crime, noting that one of them allegedly revealed that the abandoned vehicle had been handed over to a herbalist, Lawal Lucky, who is currently at large.

“The victim has been rescued safely, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects and ensure the prosecution of all those involved,” Jimoh said.

(The Nation, but headline rejigged)