Police Foil Pastor's Abduction, Rescue Woman And Two Children In Ondo

June 23, 2026 – Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

Residents of Owo were thrown into panic following separate attacks by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in different parts of the ancient town.

At the Ojana area, six armed men invaded the residence of Pastor Taiwo, a community leader, at about 7:00 p.m. and attempted to abduct him. Security operatives swiftly responded and foiled the abduction attempt following a gun battle with the suspects.

Residents of the area said they heard gunshots and immediately alerted the police. Security operatives arrived within minutes and engaged the suspects in a gun battle. The suspects fled the scene, and no casualties were reported. Pastor Taiwo was unharmed.

In a separate incident at about 11:30 p.m., another gang invaded the home of 39-year-old Daniel Ologun, shot him in the leg, and abducted his wife and two children, aged four and two.

Following a distress call, security operatives launched a pursuit and rescued the victims unharmed. The suspects fled, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend them.

Ologun's wife, Blessing, later described the harrowing experience: "They came into our house with guns and demanded money. When my husband said he didn't have any, they shot him in the leg and took me and my children. I thought we were going to die. I thank God for the police who rescued us."

The Owo Police Division confirmed the incidents and commended the swift response of security operatives. "We are grateful that no lives were lost. The police and army are working together to track down the perpetrators," a police spokesperson said.

The two kidnapping attempts in Owo highlight the growing threat of kidnapping in Ondo State. While the police and army were able to foil both attempts and rescue the victims, the incidents underscore the need for enhanced security measures to protect communities from such attacks.

The kidnapping of women and children is particularly concerning, as these are among the most vulnerable members of society. The government must do more to protect citizens and bring kidnappers to justice.