Ondo Police Arrest Five Suspects Over Kidnap of Two Schoolchildren, Recover N251,000 Ransom

Ondo Police Arrest Five Suspects Over Kidnap of Two Schoolchildren, Recover N251,000 Ransom

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of two schoolchildren in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, recovering N251,000 suspected ransom proceeds during the operation.

The suspects — Taofeek Lukman, 23; Blessing Saturday, 27; Peter Moses, 25; Sunday Isaac, 23; and Sanusi Dan Asabe, 37 — were apprehended by operatives of the command following a coordinated intelligence-led investigation into the kidnapping of two brothers.

The victims, identified as Jehu Yohana, 10, and Yohana Yohana, 5, were reportedly abducted on May 12, 2026, while on their way to school in the Jerry Sawmill area of Ore.

According to a statement issued on Thursday in Akure by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the children’s father, Andrew Yohana, reported the incident to the police at about 9:00 a.m., prompting immediate action by detectives.

Jimoh said operatives launched an intensive investigation, deploying technical intelligence, tracking analysis, and coordinated field operations to trace the suspects.

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He disclosed that the investigation first led to the arrest of Taofeek Lukman and Blessing Saturday around the Alaba area of Ore.

During the operation, police recovered N251,000 believed to be part of the ransom paid by the victims’ family.

The police also uncovered another hideout linked to one of the suspects, where an unregistered motorcycle suspected to have been used for the kidnapping operation was recovered.

Further intelligence gathering led to the arrest of three additional suspects believed to be part of the criminal syndicate terrorising residents in Ore and nearby communities.

Jimoh said all five suspects had made confessional statements, detailing their respective roles in the crime.

He added that security operatives were intensifying efforts to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover more exhibits connected to the case.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response.

He reaffirmed the command’s determination to strengthen the fight against kidnapping in Ondo State, urging residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance public safety.

The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Ondo Police Arrest Five Suspects Over Kidnap of Two Schoolchildren, Recover N251,000 Ransom