By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

The Police Command in Ondo State has rescued a 25-year-old physically challenged man, Jimoh Isah, abducted by suspected bandits on Ifira-Isua Akoko Road in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s Spokesperson, who made this known in a statement on Thursday in Akure, said the rescue followed a distress report received at the Isua Divisional Police Headquarters.

Jimoh explained that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the division immediately mobilised police operatives, working in collaboration with non-state actors, for a swift and tactical response.

The spokesperson, who said that the incident occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at about 4:10 p.m., along the Ifira/Isua Akoko axis, said the victim was reportedly ambushed by four armed men.

According to him, the victim was riding a Bajaj motorcycle with his wife, Esther Isah, aged 22 years, and their son when the incident happened.

He said the joint security team stormed the area and launched an intensive bush-combing operation across surrounding forests, while blocking suspected escape routes.

“The sustained pressure from intelligence-driven operations of the security agencies forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim, who was physically challenged. His wife and son were later rescued unharmed.

“The victim has since been reunited with his family. Meanwhile, efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects involved in the criminal act,” he said.

Also, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Adebowale Lawal, commended the professionalism and swift response of the operatives.

Lawal reaffirmed the command’s resolve to combat crime and criminality across the state.

The CP, however, reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, urging members of the public to continue providing credible and actionable information to security agencies. (NAN)