Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command on Sunday night engaged some criminal elements suspected to be kidnappers in a gun battle in Owo town, Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed this in a statement on Monday, said the gun battle ensued in the area following an attempt by a six-man kidnappers to abduct the Chairman of Ojana New Area, Pastor Taiwo Taiwo.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 7:05 p.m. when the command received a distress call about the activities of the criminal elements.

The PPRO said the assailants subsequently abandoned their plans, leading to the rescue of the intended victim and his family.

The statement reads, “At about 7:05 p.m. when the Police received a distress call indicating that a six-man armed kidnapping gang had stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him.

“Acting promptly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Owo, mobilized and led a patrol team to the scene.

“Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the armed assailants, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

“The superior tactical response and determination of the police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan.

“The intended victim and his family members were successfully rescued and unharmed and subsequently relocated to a safer location for enhanced security and protection”.