The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the abduction of a school proprietor, Mrs Tomiola Oladehinde, in Ilu-Abo community, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
Mrs Oladehinde was kidnapped last Sunday evening at the entrance of her residence in the community. The gunmen reportedly attacked her vehicle before forcefully taking her away to an unknown location. Her abduction caused fear and tension among residents of the area.
She was later released five days after the incident, following efforts by security agencies and community members. Although details of her release were not fully disclosed, her return brought relief to her family, students of her school and the entire community.
Confirming the arrest of the suspects, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, said the breakthrough was achieved through credible intelligence and close cooperation with local vigilante groups.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Jimoh explained that members of the Ilu-Abo community played a key role in the arrest of the first suspect.
According to him, vigilant youths in the community apprehended one Abenaguna Muhammad on January 29. He was reportedly found in possession of suspected criminal charms and was immediately handed over to police operatives for investigation.
Jimoh said that during interrogation, Muhammad confessed to being a member of a kidnapping syndicate operating along the Ala–Ilu-Abo axis. He also admitted his involvement in the abduction of Mrs Oladehinde.
“He further disclosed that the syndicate was led by one Lanre, popularly known as ‘Lanre Tomato,’ alongside two others identified as Ojo and Pius,” the police spokesperson said.
Following the confession, the police launched further operations, which led to the arrest of the remaining suspects linked to the kidnapping gang. The four suspects are now in police custody.
Jimoh noted that the arrests were part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations carried out by the command after a series of violent incidents in the area.
He recalled that on January 25, 2026, armed assailants attacked residents at Liberty Avenue in Ilu-Abo community. During the attack, one person was shot, another resident was abducted, while two others sustained injuries.
The police spokesperson said the violent incident prompted an immediate response from the command. This included the deployment of more tactical officers to the area, increased patrols, and improved intelligence gathering.
He added that the Commissioner of Police personally visited the community to assess the situation and reassure residents of the police commitment to restoring peace and security.
“The command immediately launched intensive intelligence-led operations, reinforced tactical deployment and carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the area,” Jimoh said.
Kidnapping has become a major security challenge in many parts of Nigeria, including the South-West. Criminal groups often target individuals they believe can attract ransom, such as business owners, professionals and school proprietors.
In Ondo State, security agencies have stepped up efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes through collaboration with local vigilantes, hunters and community leaders. These partnerships have helped improve response time and intelligence sharing.
Residents of Ilu-Abo community said the arrest of the suspects has restored some confidence in the security situation, although many still remain cautious.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, praised the police and vigilante members for their swift action.
“We are happy that these suspects have been arrested. The kidnapping of a respected school owner shocked everyone here. We hope the police will ensure that justice is done,” he said.
Parents and staff of Mrs Oladehinde’s school also expressed relief over her safe return and the arrest of the suspects. Many described her as a committed educator whose abduction affected the school and the wider community.
The Ondo State Police Command has assured the public that investigations are still ongoing. Jimoh said efforts were being made to recover exhibits linked to the crime and to uncover other criminal activities connected to the suspects.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to recover exhibits, uncover additional criminal links and ensure their prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.
He urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or security agency.