In a swift response to the harrowing abduction incident, the Ondo State Police Command announced a significant breakthrough on Saturday, rescuing eight of the 25 individuals who had been kidnapped merely 20 hours earlier. This horrifying ordeal unfolded when a group of unidentified hoodlums, believed to be armed, targeted 25 members of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, Akure, Ondo State, on a fateful Friday evening.

The victims, identified as choristers of the church, fell prey to the attackers while en route to Ifon for a somber burial ceremony. The nefarious assailants ambushed the group on the Benin-Akure Expressway, specifically in the vicinity of the Ifon area within the Ose Local Government Area of the state. Their sinister actions led to the victims being forcibly taken to an undisclosed location deep within the treacherous confines of the surrounding bush.

Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, delivered a glimmer of hope amidst this distressing situation. She confirmed the successful rescue of eight of the victims, while simultaneously assuring that relentless efforts were underway to secure the safe release of the remaining individuals. In a message conveyed through a WhatsApp platform, she conveyed the encouraging news, stating, “Good news! Eight victims rescued; effort is on to rescue others unhurt.”