Gunmen abduct nursing mother, child in Ondo community as Police launch manhunt

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a nursing mother and her child by suspected gunmen in the Supare/Ajegunle area of Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, identified as the wife of a well-known furniture maker in the community and her infant child, were reportedly kidnapped at their residence on Saturday night, January 3, 2026, sparking fear and tension among residents of the area.

Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the abductors are yet to be identified, adding that a manhunt has been launched to apprehend those responsible.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that a nursing mother and her child were kidnapped on January 3 by unknown gunmen at the Supare/Ajegunle Akoko axis,” Jimoh said.

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According to him, the police have since intensified efforts to secure the safe release of the victims, with security operatives deployed to the affected area and its surroundings.

“Efforts are already ongoing, while the command has deployed security apparatus in that area in order to rescue the victims alive and unhurt,” he added.

The abduction has heightened concerns over security in parts of Akoko South West, as residents expressed worry over the safety of lives and property, particularly following recent reports of criminal activities in rural communities.

DSP Jimoh reiterated the Ondo State Police Command’s commitment to protecting residents, assuring that the force would not relent until the victims are rescued and the perpetrators brought to justice.

The police have also urged members of the public to remain calm and to provide any useful information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue operations.