By Dayo Johnson Akure
A 55-year-old man, Idowu Alade, has narrated how he escaped from a kidnappers’ hideout in Ose Council Area of Ondo State.
Alade was abducted on August 21, 2026 at about 6:00 p.m. at Aroge Camp, via Idoani, while on his way to buy a recharge card.
Members of his community commenced a search for him the following morning after he failed to return home.
The victim told police detectives that he escaped dramatically at about 4:00 a.m. on August 23, 2026 while his captors were asleep.
He then trekked through thick forest and eventually emerged in the Ifira area.
Acting on credible intelligence, security operatives made contact with Alade, secured him, and ensured he received medical attention for injuries allegedly sustained during the incident.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said operatives of the Idoani Division mobilized immediately after the report was made. They collaborated with personnel of the Amotekun Corps, Ose Bravers Vigilante Group and local hunters.
“The joint security team commenced an intensive search and bush-combing operation to locate and rescue the victim,” Abayomi said.
He added that upon regaining sufficient strength, the victim positively identified two suspects during a formal identification process at the police station.
“Significantly, the victim’s mobile phone was recovered from the suspects, further strengthening the investigation,” the PPRO stated.
Abayomi said the suspects allegedly confessed to the crime and provided useful information on other persons suspected to be connected to the operation, including an alleged accomplice said to be based in Auchi.
According to him, the suspects and the case file are being transferred to the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The police spokesperson commended the swift response and collaboration of security agencies and local stakeholders, and reassured residents that the Command remains committed to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection.
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