The Oyo Police Command has rescued a couple, Busiru Booni and his wife, Pitiku, five days after they were abducted by kidnappers at Tiro Village, Irawo, in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.
The victims were said to have regained their freedom unhurt following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The couple, who regain their freedom on Thursday, was abducted during the weekend when about five armed men reportedly invaded the village, firing sporadically into the air before whisking them away to an unknown destination.
According to the police, the operation that led to the rescue was launched immediately after the distress report was received by the Command.
After the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji, promptly ordered a full-scale manhunt for the gunmen behind the abduction.
During the operation, a Bajaj motorcycle earlier reported stolen was recovered abandoned in a nearby bush.
Security sources added thaf the recovery provided a breakthrough that helped the joint team identify the kidnappers’ hideout.
The police, in a statement by its spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, narrated that when the advancing security team closed in on the criminals, the kidnappers opened fire, triggering a fierce gun duel.
However, the hoodlums were forced to flee into the forest, escaping with varying degrees of gunshot wounds and abandoning the captives in the process.
The couple was rescued unharmed and immediately evacuated to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment.
They were later discharged after being certified stable and have since been reunited with their family.
The Command, while commending the synergy among security agencies and local intelligence networks, called on members of the public to remain vigilant and to report anyone seeking unusual medical attention or presenting with suspected bullet wounds to the nearest police station or security post.
It said such prompt information would help security operatives track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal acts in the area.
The Oyo State Police Command also appreciated the support of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and residents of the community whose cooperation, it said, contributed significantly to the success of the rescue mission.
Reassuring residents of the state, the Command pledged its continued commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging the public to keep providing credible and timely intelligence to aid the fight against crime.