The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a couple, Mr. Jamiu Olawale and his wife, by unknown gunmen who ambushed them in front of their residence at Olaribigba Estate, Iluabo, on Thursday night.
The incident, which occurred on February 20, 2026, was confirmed by the Command’s spokesman, with tactical teams since deployed to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
According to the police, the couple had just returned home from their shop aboard an ash-coloured Toyota Camry when the gunmen, who reportedly emerged from the surrounding bush, attacked and whisked them away to an unknown destination at about 9:45 p.m.
In the ensuing commotion, a neighbour, Mr. Patrick Ilumaro, who was seated in front of his residence at the time of the attack, sustained a gunshot wound.
He was promptly rushed to hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal psc(+), mnips, swiftly ordered the deployment of tactical teams alongside conventional operatives to comb the surrounding bushes and adjoining areas in a bid to rescue the victims unhurt and bring the perpetrators to book.
“Concerted efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons and bring those responsible to justice,” the Command stated.
The Command urged residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, while also appealing to members of the public with credible and actionable intelligence to report to the nearest police station.
