The Ondo State Police Command has launched a full-scale manhunt for the abductors of two individuals, including a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), who were kidnapped in Supare-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state on Monday evening.
One of the victims has been identified as Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at AAUA. The identity of the second victim was yet to be confirmed as of the time of this report.
According to sources, the incident occurred at Eleyinmi’s residence shortly after he returned home from work. His wife, who stepped out to welcome him, narrowly escaped the assailants as they fired sporadically into the air. Eyewitnesses revealed that the attackers had laid an ambush around the area before seizing their target.
“Mr. Eleyinmi had just arrived when the gunmen struck. His wife was lucky to escape after they initially attempted to take both of them,” a source who preferred anonymity disclosed.
The abductors reportedly whisked away the two victims on a motorcycle, though one of them has since been rescued. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident, stating that security forces had rescued one of the kidnapped individuals and that a tactical operation was underway to secure the release of the university staff.
“They were on a bike when they were accosted and taken away. We’ve rescued one and are debriefing him. Efforts are in top gear to rescue the remaining victim,” Ayanlade said, while declining to give further details due to operational sensitivity.
The management of Adekunle Ajasin University has also confirmed the incident. In a statement, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Victor Akinpelumi, said the university was working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safe return of their staff.
“The police have assured us that they are actively working on the situation,” Akinpelumi noted.
As of press time, the kidnappers had not contacted the victim’s family for ransom, while the case remains under investigation.
