A dramatic gun battle broke out in Owo, Ondo State, on Sunday night after police operatives thwarted an attempt by suspected kidnappers to abduct a prominent cleric, Pastor Taiwo Taiwo.
The incident occurred in Ojana New Area of Owo Local Government Area, where the pastor, who serves as the community chairman, was targeted by a gang of armed kidnappers.
Confirming the development on Monday, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the command received an emergency distress call at about 7:05 p.m. reporting that six armed men had invaded the pastor’s residence with the intention of abducting him.
According to Jimoh, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, immediately mobilised a patrol team to the scene in response to the alert. Upon arrival, the officers confronted the suspects, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire between both sides.
The police spokesperson said the swift and coordinated response of the operatives overwhelmed the attackers, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee into a nearby bush.
“The police received information that a six-man armed kidnapping gang had stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him. Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer led a patrol team to the location.
“On reaching the scene, the officers engaged the armed criminals in a gun duel. The superior tactical response of the police forced the suspects to retreat into the bush and abandon their operation,” Jimoh stated.
He added that Pastor Taiwo and members of his family were successfully rescued without sustaining any injuries. For their safety, the victims were subsequently moved to a secure location under police protection.
The police command assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies.
The incident highlights the growing security concerns in parts of the state, even as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
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