Operatives of the Nigerian Army have thwarted an attempted abduction of the daughters of a university don, Prof. Akin Oluwadayisi, along the Akure-Ibadan Expressway in Ondo State, on 1st March, 2026.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, happened as the family was travelling to the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God for its March Holy Ghost Service and Solemn Assembly.
It was gathered that suspected bandits, who trailed the family in another vehicle, attempted to intercept and block their car in what appeared to be a coordinated kidnap operation.
However, the situation was brought under control following the timely intervention of a military patrol team that was coincidentally plying the route.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers engaged the assailants in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee into nearby bushes.
No casualty was recorded, as members of the family and the security personnel escaped unhurt.
The incident was subsequently reported to the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State.
Sources disclosed that hours after the failed attempt, the family allegedly received threatening calls from unknown persons, warning that the attackers would return for the victims.
Speaking on the development, Oluwadayisi said one of the voices sounded familiar, linking it to an earlier threat he received over his stance on capital punishment for kidnappers.
He also recalled a previous attack on his family in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory in 2024, raising concerns over a possible pattern of targeting.
Police sources confirmed that an investigation into the incident had commenced, though details remained sketchy as of press time.
Efforts to get official reaction from the military authorities on the operation were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the development has triggered renewed calls for improved security along major highways, with stakeholders urging law enforcement agencies to intensify surveillance and bring perpetrators to justice.
The professor, who expressed appreciation to the soldiers for their swift response, said the incident had left his family traumatised and living in fear.
“I cannot sleep anymore. We are grateful to the soldiers, but no family should be subjected to this kind of threat,” he said.
