Police: How we rescued abducted Ondo health worker

The operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have rescued Ayodeji Akinsero, a health worker at Federal Medical Centre in the Owo area of the state, who was earlier abducted by gunmen.

The health worker was kidnapped by gunmen at his residence in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Speaking on the incident on Saturday, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, disclosed that Akinsero was rescued following the directive given by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, after receiving the report of the incident.

Ayanlade said the police commissioner, upon receiving the report of the incident, directed that the victim must be rescued at all costs.

Ayanlade stated: “Acting on this directive, the Area Command in Owo, working in synergy with the divisional police, operatives of the command, and the Upeme Vigilante Group, launched a coordinated operation.

Gunmen abduct health worker in Ondo

“The joint team, working tirelessly and in close collaboration, deployed credible intelligence and embarked on aggressive bush combing operations throughout Thursday and into Friday night.

“Their sustained efforts paid off when the kidnappers, confronted in a gun duel, were forced to flee, abandoning the victim.

“He was rescued unhurt without any ransom being paid, and immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for medical attention.

“He has, since, been joyfully reunited with his family.”

The Star