5 In Police Net Over Kidnapping Of Schoolchildren In Ondo

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for the abduction of two school children in Ore, Odigbo local government area.

The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, who disclosed this yesterday, said the breakthrough was achieved by the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad following intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating in Ore and adjoining communities.

According to Jimoh, the incident was reported on 12th May by one Andrew Yohana, who stated that his two sons, aged 10 and five years, were kidnapped while on their way to school by suspected assailants.

Upon receipt of the report, detectives visited the scene and commenced intensive investigations using technical intelligence, tracking analysis and coordinated operational strategies.

The PPRO said the efforts led to the arrest of two suspects, Taofeek Lukman, 23, and Blessing Saturday, 27, around the Alaba Area of Ore.

Jimoh added that during the operation, the sum of N251,000, suspected to be part of the ransom collected from the victims’ family, was recovered from the suspects.

He further disclosed that follow-up investigations led operatives to another hideout linked to one of the suspects, where an unregistered lady motorcycle believed to have been used in the operation was also recovered.

According to him, additional suspects identified as Peter Moses, 25, Sunday Isaac, 23, and Sanusi Dan Asabe, 37, have been linked to the syndicate as investigations continue.

‎The police spokesperson said the suspects had allegedly made useful confessional statements and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. At the same time, efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.

‎He said, “Efforts are currently ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate and recover additional exhibits connected with the crime.

‎”Meanwhile, the arrested suspects have made confessional statements detailing the roles they played in the kidnapping and will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.”

‎In his remark, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.