Gun Battle In Owo As Police Stop Kidnappers From Abducting Pastor

Gun Battle As Police Stop Kidnappers From Abducting Pastor In Owo
Suspected kidnappers fled after exchanging gunfire with police operatives.
Pastor Taiwo and his family were rescued without injuries.

The Ondo State Police Command has foiled an attempt by suspected kidnappers to abduct the Chairman of Ojana New Area, Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, following a gun battle between the attackers and police operatives in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Sunday night in Owo town after a six-man gang reportedly stormed the cleric’s residence with the intention of kidnapping him.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that confirming the development in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command received a distress call at about 7:05 p.m. and immediately deployed officers to the scene.

According to him, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, led a patrol team to the location after receiving the report.

The police spokesperson said the operatives engaged the armed suspects in a gun duel upon arrival, forcing them to flee into a nearby bush.

The swift response by the officers led to the successful rescue of Pastor Taiwo and his family members without any injuries.

The statement read, “At about 7:05 p.m., when the Police received a distress call indicating that a six-man armed kidnapping gang had stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him.

“Acting promptly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Owo, mobilised and led a patrol team to the scene.

“Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the armed assailants, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

“The superior tactical response and determination of the police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan.

“The intended victim and his family members were successfully rescued and unharmed and subsequently relocated to a safer location for enhanced security and protection.”

The command did not disclose whether any arrests were made but assured residents of its commitment to tackling criminal activities and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.