Kidnap Victim Escapes While Captors Sleep In Ondo

A 55-year-old man abducted in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Idowu Alade, has escaped from his abductors’ hideout, leading to the arrest of two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate.

Alade was reportedly abducted at Aroge Camp, via Idoani, on August 21, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., after leaving his residence to purchase a network recharge card.

When he failed to return home, members of the community launched a search the following morning and reported the incident to the Idoani Police Division.

The Police, working with the Amotekun Corps, Ose Bravers Vigilante Group and local hunters, subsequently commenced an intensive search of the surrounding bush.

The victim eventually seized an opportunity to escape from the kidnappers’ hideout at about 4:00 a.m. on August 23, when his captors were reportedly asleep.

He fled the hideout and made his way through the Ifira area, where he was eventually located and secured by security operatives acting on credible intelligence.

The Police said the victim sustained injuries during the ordeal and was subsequently given medical attention.

His escape also provided security agencies with crucial information that helped trigger a wider operation against the suspected kidnappers.

Following the victim’s rescue, a red alert was placed across the area.

At about 2:15 p.m. the same day, a patrol team from the Isua Police Division intercepted and arrested two young men identified as Usman Shaibu, 25, and Sanni Musa, 27, who were allegedly connected to the kidnapping.

After regaining sufficient strength, Alade reportedly identified the two suspects during a formal identification process at the Police Station.

The victim’s mobile phone was also recovered from the suspects.

The Police said the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement and provided information that could assist investigators in tracking other members of the suspected criminal network, including an alleged accomplice said to be based in Auchi.

The state Commissioner of Police,Felix Ohagwu, has directed that the suspects and case file be transferred to the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet and comprehensive investigation.

The Police said the move is aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the suspected syndicate.