By Mojisola Oladele
The Osun State Police Command has rescued a 50-year-old kidnapped herder, Haruna Yusuf and arrested a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle with abductors.
The sum of Two million, two hundred and seventeen thousand, eight hundred naira N2,217,800, was recovered at the scene as proceeds of ransom.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Gotan made this known during a news briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Osogbo.
Mr. Gotan said the Command was able to rescue the Kidnap victim unhurt and foiled the ransom collection following a well-coordinated operation by the tactical team of the Command on the 9th of this month.
Mr Gotan States ” On 9th July 2026, the Command received information that one Haruna Yusuf, a 50-year-old herdsman residing in a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village, along Gbongan/Ife Ibadan road had been abducted by four suspected kidnappers.
Upon receipt of the report, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes, immediately mobilized to the scene and combed the surrounding forests and adjoining pathways in an effort to trace and rescue the victim.”
He noted that it took the combined efforts of its personnel and the local vigilantes who traced and rescued the victim.
Mr Gotan explained that On 12th July the VCRU operatives through an intelligence-driven and co-ordinated operation monitored the ransom payment process to a designated drop-off point at Majeroku Area along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.
The CP stressed that the kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, opened fire and the police equally responded professionally, leading to a gun duel during which some of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries, one was arrested, while others are currently at large.
He explained that the injured suspect, Usman Aliyu was taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for medical treatment and currently responding to treatment.
Mr. Gotan assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping gang who have been terrorizing the area.
The Police commissioner also announced the arrest of three suspected cultists and ritual suspects in Iree following intelligence reports that criminal groups had been terrorising the community and neighbouring areas.
He identified the suspects as 23-year old Michael Oluwatobi, 22 years old Busayo Joseph and 23 year old Abu Azeez adding that preliminary investigations revealed they were members of a cult group and also alleged to be involved in ritual-related activities.
Mr Gotan expressed its determination towards combating cultism, ritual killings, kidnapping, armed robbery, and all forms of violent crimes.
Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi
Follow us on Telegram and YouTube, and join our WhatsApp Update Group for more updates.
