22.6.2026
The Police in Ondo State said they engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun battle Sunday night in Owo, Owo Local Government Area and prevented from taking away an influential pastor.
According to Ondo Police Command spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the gun fight began when a six-man gang tried to abduct Ojana New Area chairman Pastor Taiwo Taiwo.
He said the police received a distress call at about 7:05 p.m, and officers swung into action forcing the gang to abandon their plans to take Pastor Taiwo and harm members of his family.
“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,” said DSP Jimoh in a statement Monday.