By Bukola Olamona
Ondo State Police Command has stepped up security operations in response to an armed robbery incident at a health centre in Oke ijebu, Akure, in the early hours of Saturday.
The attack, which occurred at about 2:00 a.m., involved three assailants reportedly wielding a pump-action rifle and cutlasses.
The suspects reportedly gained access to the premises by scaling the facility’s perimeter fence.
During the operation, three personnel on duty were robbed of their personal belongings, including mobile phones and a Point of Sale terminal.
The attackers were said to have arrived in an unregistered black Toyota Venza, which they parked along the main road before carrying out the raid.
The victims were, thereafter whisked towards the Olokuta axis along Ondo Road.
Findings from preliminary investigations revealed that the assailants compelled the victims to strip and later abandoned them in a nearby bush before escaping.
The victims subsequently found safety with staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service in the vicinity.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, who visited the scene, has ordered a thorough, intelligence-led investigation into the incident.
The command disclosed that tactical units and surveillance teams had been mobilised to trail and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
While condemning the attack, the police assured residents that measures had been reinforced to forestall a recurrence.
It noted that patrol activities had been intensified, alongside improved collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to bolster safety across the state.
Residents were enjoined to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding and to promptly report any suspicious movement or credible information to the nearest police station or relevant security outfit.
The command reaffirmed its resolve to protect lives and property, pledging sustained efforts to flush out criminal elements from the state.
Earlier today (Saturday), WEEKEND HOPE had reported that operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, had rescued five kidnap persons in two separate overnight operations in Akure South Local Government area of the state.
The Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the development.
He disclosed that three health workers, earlier abducted by gunmen, also regained their freedom at about 4:30 a.m. and are currently receiving treatment at the Amotekun health facility.
Adeleye further revealed that a 45-year old man and his 15-year old son were abducted at Pelebe on the outskirts of Oda-Akure Road between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The victims were, however, rescued by the Rapid Response Squad of the Amotekun Corps at about 1:00 a.m. after a confrontation with the kidnappers.
The Amotekun commander assured residents that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority for the state government.
He urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and adequate information to security agencies, emphasising the need for collective efforts to enhance safety across the state.
The Hope
