Residents of Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, were thrown into panic on Sunday evening as suspected kidnappers invaded the residence of a pastor and community leader, triggering a gun duel with police operatives.
The Ondo State Police Command said the incident occurred when a gang of six armed men allegedly stormed the home of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, chairman of Ojana New Area in Owo, with the intention of abducting him.
Confirming the development on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command received a distress call at about 7:05 p.m., prompting an immediate response from security operatives.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of B Division, Owo, swiftly mobilised a patrol team to the scene after receiving information about the attack.
Jimoh explained that upon arrival, the officers confronted the armed suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire between both parties.
He said the superior firepower and tactical response of the police forced the assailants to abandon their mission and flee into a nearby bush.
The police spokesman added that Pastor Taiwo and members of his family were rescued unharmed during the operation.
Following the incident, the victims were relocated to a secure location as a precautionary measure, while security operatives intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely information that could aid the fight against crime and criminality.
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