…One other victim of APC congress dies
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Ondo State Police Command has announced significant operational breakthroughs in the investigation of the abduction of worshippers at Uso and the violent attack that left two persons dead in Idanre, as part of intensified efforts to curb criminality across the state.
Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, disclosed that 11 suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction of six worshippers at a Celestial Church of Christ along the Uso/Owo Expressway in the early hours of February 25, 2026.
The arrests, he said, followed coordinated intelligence-led operations involving the Police, the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups.
He recalled that the attackers invaded the church premises at about 12:50 a.m. and whisked the victims to an unknown destination.
The CP disclosed that tactical teams were immediately deployed, leading to the rescue of one victim and the arrest of an initial suspect whose statements aided further operations.
He revealed that the remaining suspects are currently undergoing interrogation as efforts continue to dismantle the network responsible and secure the release of others still in captivity.
The police boss told newsmen that in a separate operation, the Command arrested 13 suspects over a violent attack in Idanre which resulted in the death of two persons officially, injuries to three others and destruction of property.
Regrettably, he said one of those who sustained injuries during the Idanre political crisis which erupted during the APC congress in the local government had died, raising the official death figures to three.
Lawal said the arrests were made after a carefully coordinated manhunt driven by credible intelligence and sustained surveillance in strategic locations within the town.
He stated that those apprehended are in custody and assisting investigators in unravelling the full circumstances of the attack and identifying additional collaborators.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Monitor’s investigations revealed that the number of victims of the political crisis were initially four, and with the latest development, the figure has risen to five.
The CP also highlighted other anti-kidnapping successes recorded in recent weeks, including the arrest of 10 suspects along Ondo Road with the recovery of ransom money, some of it burnt, and an operational motorcycle.
He noted that, in Ijapo, three suspected kidnappers were apprehended after one of them was found with ₦291,500 concealed in bundles consistent with ransom payments.
The police commissioner further said that two more suspects were intercepted along the Akunu–Iyere Road with a live AK-47 round recovered from them, while earlier operations led to the arrest of two syndicate members who used motorcycles for reconnaissance and logistics support.
Providing crime statistics from 1 January 2026 to date, Lawal said the Command had arrested 30 kidnapping suspects, 10 for murder or homicide, 15 for unlawful possession of firearms, 17 for armed robbery, five for rape or defilement and 41 for cult-related offences, among others.
Within the same period, he said 15 firearms, 35 rounds of ammunition, six vehicles and 11 motorcycles were recovered, while eight victims were rescued.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to consolidate these gains through sustained intelligence-driven operations, intensified patrols and stronger community partnerships.
He assured residents that the Police would continue to dismantle criminal syndicates and safeguard lives and property across the state.
