A Fulani commercial motorcycle rider, a Fulani herder, and a Yoruba man have been arrested by security operatives over their alleged involvement in the abduction of two children for ransom in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State.
According to security authorities, investigations revealed that the suspects worked together to execute the kidnapping. The Yoruba suspect allegedly supplied the firearm used during the operation, while the Fulani motorcycle rider reportedly transported members of the gang and monitored movements around the community. The Fulani herder was said to have played a key role in the planning and execution of the abduction.
The victims, two children, were reportedly seized by the kidnappers and taken to a hideout, where they were held while the suspects demanded ransom from their family.
Security operatives, acting on intelligence, launched an operation that led to the rescue of the children and the arrest of the three suspects. A firearm believed to have been used in the crime was also recovered during the operation.
Authorities said the suspects have confessed to varying degrees of involvement during interrogation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information that would assist security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The successful operation underscores the importance of intelligence gathering and community cooperation in combating criminal activities in Oyo State.