Ondo Police and Hunters Rescue 12 Kidnapped Hummer Passengers

*TL;DR Police, aided by local hunters, rescued 12 passengers from a kidnapping ambush on two Hummer buses in Ondo State; survivors are receiving medical care and family reunification is underway.

Context At 01:30 hrs on Saturday, a distress call reported that two commercial Hummer buses traveling from Benue State to Ibadan were intercepted by armed kidnappers near Isua Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko South‑East Local Government Area. The attackers forced several passengers out of the vehicles and marched them into the surrounding forest.

Key Facts - The Ondo State Police Command activated a coordinated rescue operation immediately after the report. - Police operatives joined local hunters and other security stakeholders to conduct a bush‑combing sweep of the forested terrain where the victims were believed to be held. - Intelligence‑led surveillance and tracking efforts were intensified to locate the fleeing suspects. - The combined team rescued 12 victims, including the two bus drivers, and secured them alive. - Rescued passengers were taken to a hospital for medical treatment and arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families. - State Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu visited the scene, consulted community leaders and vigilante groups, and ordered additional tactical and intelligence assets to support the ongoing manhunt for the remaining abductees and perpetrators.

What It Means The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of rapid police response when paired with community‑based hunters in rural Nigeria. It also highlights the persistent threat of kidnapping on inter‑state transport routes, prompting calls for stronger security patrols along major corridors. Ongoing efforts aim to locate any remaining hostages and bring the kidnappers to justice. Watch for updates on the manhunt and any policy measures announced by state authorities to curb future abductions.