The police in Ondo State have arrested five suspected kidnappers.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday following the abduction of one Omoghae Igbegbon along Akunnu – Akoko/Auga – Akoko road.
After allegedly taking N185,000 from the victim, they reportedly demanded a N30 million ransom to effect his release.
The state police boss, Mr Undie Adie told reporters at the state police command headquarters in Akure that his men tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in Ibilo, neighbouring Edo State.
According to him: ”On April 2 one Prince Omoghae Igbegbon of Senior Staff Quarters, NIFOR, Benin City Edo State was attacked by unknown gunmen numbering six along Akunnu Akoko/Auga Akoko Road in Ondo State.
“The hoodlums robbed him of N185,000 and dragged him into the bush. The abductors demanded N30 million as ransom for his release.
“On April 3, a team of Policemen with members of vigilante group trailed the kidnappers to their den at Ibilo, Edo State and after exchange of gunfire, the kidnappers fled to unknown destination.
“They left behind one pump action, one double barrel and two single barrel guns. The victim escaped to a community in Ibilo where he explained his ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers.
“The Police placed the community on red alert to watch out for any strange faces. Thereafter, one (names withheld) 19 years, … whom the victim later recognized as one of the kidnappers was arrested and handed over to the Police.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed committing the crime and mentioned other members of his gang.
“The suspect later led a team of detectives to the hideouts of the hoodlums at Aduwawa in Benin City, Edo state.”
Adie said that four other suspects, aged between 25 and 36 were later arrested.
He said the suspect identified them as members of the gangsters terrorising Akoko axis of the state.
He said efforts were on to arrest other fleeing members of the gang, while those already apprehended would be charged to court after conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
However, one of the suspects who had earlier admitted to have participated in the crime denied knowing the other four suspects, stressing that the operation was his first outing.
On last Monday’s bank robbery in Idoani, where seven persons were killed, the Police Commissioner said that investigation was on to unveil the perpetrators.
Adie added that security measures have been scaled up around bank premises across the 18 local government areas of the state.
