By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, have rescued five persons from two separate operations in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, amid heightened security concerns in the state capital.
The Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, who confirmed the development, said a 45-year-old man and his 15-year-old son were abducted at Pelebe, on the outskirts of Oda–Akure Road, between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
According to him, the victims were rescued at about 1:00 a.m. by the Rapid Response Squad of the corps after a confrontation with the kidnappers.
Adeleye further disclosed that three health workers earlier abducted in a separate incident also regained their freedom at about 4:30 a.m.
The victims, he said, are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed health facility.
He assured residents that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority for the state government, urging the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The development comes against the backdrop of confusion surrounding an earlier reported attack on a health centre in the Oke Ijebu area of Akure.
While initial reports suggested a kidnapping incident and that six health personnel were whisked away, the Ondo State Police Command has clarified that the episode was a case of armed robbery.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Command said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m., when three armed suspects invaded a health facility in Oke Ijebu.
The police disclosed that the assailants, armed with a pump-action rifle and cutlasses, gained access to the premises by scaling the perimeter fence.
During the operation, three staff members on duty were reportedly dispossessed of their personal belongings, including mobile phones and a Point of Sale (PoS) terminal.
The suspects were said to have arrived in an unregistered black Toyota Venza, which was parked along the main road before the attack.
According to preliminary investigations, the victims were subsequently taken towards the Olokuta axis along Ondo Road, where they were allegedly forced to remove their clothing and later abandoned in the bush.
The victims were said to have found assistance from personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service before returning to safety.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has since visited the scene and ordered a comprehensive, intelligence-driven investigation into the incident.
The Command stated that tactical and surveillance teams have been deployed to track down the perpetrators, while patrols have been intensified across the area.
Meanwhile, the twin developments have heightened public attention on security in Akure, with residents calling for sustained and coordinated efforts to curb criminal activities and ensure the safety of communities.
