Men of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have rescued eight kidnapped victims, including a teacher and a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in a series of coordinated operations across the state.


The victims were abducted by suspected kidnappers in different communities, including Ilado in Akure North Local Government Area, where armed assailants reportedly invaded the area and whisked residents away into the forest.


Among those rescued was Mr. Fagbonmire Durojaiye, an RCCG pastor and teacher whose abduction had sparked concern among residents and members of his church. Others freed during the operation include Muhammad, who was kidnapped in Ogbese; Moses Keke; Sefanu, Kabiru and Saradin, who were abducted at Loro Village; as well as Ijojo and Emeka Ngo.


According to reports, the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for the release of some of the victims. However, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that all eight victims were rescued without the payment of any ransom.


Adeleye said the rescue operation was carried out through intelligence-driven tactics that enabled operatives to trace the kidnappers to their hideout deep within the forest.


“Following actionable intelligence, our men tracked the kidnappers to their location and engaged them in a gun duel. The criminals were forced to flee, allowing us to secure the release of all eight victims,” he said.


The commander noted that the successful operation came barely 24 to 48 hours after the corps paraded 46 suspected kidnappers arrested in various parts of the state.


“We promised the people of Ondo State that our men would return to the forests after the parade, and we kept that promise. Our operatives went back into the forests and successfully rescued eight kidnapped victims in Akure North and other parts of the state,” Adeleye stated.


He commended residents for providing timely and useful information that aided the operation and also appreciated the Ondo State Government for its support.
“The operations carried out over the last seven days in the forests around Akure North yielded significant results. We are grateful to the people of Ondo State for their cooperation and to the state government for providing the necessary support,” he added.


Speaking on the ransom demand, Adeleye maintained that no payment was made to secure the victims’ freedom.


“Not a kobo was paid as ransom. Through technology, intelligence gathering and strategic operations, we were able to locate the kidnappers deep inside the forest and secure the release of all the victims without causing harm to them,” he said.


The traditional ruler of Ilado Community, Olu Ilado, Oba Ifedayo Ademira, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Amotekun Corps for the successful rescue operation.


“I appreciate the Governor of Ondo State for providing adequate support to Amotekun. Without the necessary resources, they would not have been able to respond swiftly and rescue our people,” the monarch said.


He also praised the Amotekun commander and personnel for their dedication and professionalism.
“I kept reaching out to the commander, and he assured me that God would help bring them back safely. To the glory of God, I later received the good news that all the victims had been rescued,” Oba Ademira added.


The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while security has been strengthened in the affected communities as efforts continue to apprehend the fleeing suspects.