…Parades suspected cultists
By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
The Osun State Police Command on Wednesday disclosed that it rescued a kidnap victim, Haruna Yusuf, 50, following a gun duel with suspected kidnappers.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, also revealed that operatives of the command foiled a ransom exchange and recovered ₦2.217 million from the scene.
Gotan said the command received a report on July 9, 2026, that Yusuf, a herdsman, had been abducted by four suspected kidnappers from a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village, along the Gbongan-Ife-Ibadan Road.
He explained that police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes, immediately commenced a search operation before transferring the case to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) Anti-Kidnapping Section for discreet investigation and tactical intervention.
According to him, operatives conducted an intelligence-led operation on July 12 while monitoring the ransom payment process at a designated location in the Majeroku area along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway.
He said the victim was rescued unhurt after the kidnappers opened fire upon sighting the police team, leading to a gun battle.
During the encounter, one of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and was arrested, while others escaped into the surrounding forest.
“The injured suspect was immediately taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for medical treatment and is currently responding to treatment. The sum of Two Million, Two Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (₦2,217,800), being proceeds of the ransom, was recovered at the scene.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang terrorising the area,” CP Gotan said.
Meanwhile, the police commissioner disclosed that the Anti-Cultism Section of the VCRU also arrested three suspected members of the Alora secret cult over alleged involvement in violent activities around Iree in Boripe Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were identified as Michael Oluwatobi, 23; Busayo Joseph, 22; and Abu Azeez, 23.
Gotan said the suspects were arrested on July 14, 2026, adding that a thorough investigation had been ordered to establish the extent of their involvement and identify other members of the alleged criminal network.
