Gunshots in Owo as kidnappers break into pastor’s home

On Sunday night, officers from the Ondo State Police Command confronted suspected kidnappers in a gunfight in Owo town, within Owo Local Government Area.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident in a Monday statement, noting that the clash followed an attempt by a six‑man kidnapping gang to abduct Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area.

The statement said the incident began around 7:05 p.m., when the command received a distress call about the criminal activity.

The PPRO reported that the assailants abandoned their plans, allowing the intended victim and his family to be rescued.

“At about 7:05 p.m. when the Police received a distress call indicating 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 promptly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Owo, mobilized and led a patrol team to the scene.

Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the armed assailants, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

The superior tactical response and determination of the police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan.

The intended victim and his family members were successfully rescued and unharmed and subsequently relocated to a safer location for enhanced security and protection.”