Ondo Community Foils Attempted Child Theft, Police Arrests Two Suspects

By Ayodele Oni 

An attempt to kidnap a three- year old boy in the Akoko area of Ondo State has been foiled by vigilant members of the community.

Indications emerged that the boy, Alex Ayobami, was sent on a message by her mother Mrs Olanireti when he was accosted by two suspected kidnappers.

The Ondo State Police Command in a statement on Wednesday, by its spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, explained that the vigilance and prompt information by neighbours foiled the kidnap attempt.

“A suspected case of conspiracy and attempted child stealing was reported at Ogbagi Akoko on the 22nd of March, 2026. The incident was reported by one Mrs. Olanireti ‘F’, who resides at Ioso Street, Ogbagi Akoko.

 “According to her report, she had sent her three-year-old son, Alex Ayobami ‘M’, to meet his grandmother who lives behind her shop. 

“Shortly thereafter, an alarm was raised by a concerned member of the public, one Oni ‘F’, who noticed suspicious activity involving the child.

“Acting swiftly on the alarm, the complainant rushed to the scene where she discovered two suspects, identified as Adefarati Idowu ‘M’ and Adepoju Babatunde ‘M’ attempting to flee the area on an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle with her child. 

“It was further gathered that the child’s grandmother, Mrs. Olawale  ‘F’, courageously intervened by holding onto the motorcycle, while other vigilant residents quickly mobilized and blocked the suspects from escaping. Immediately, the police arrived and the child was successfully rescued unhurt.

“The suspects were apprehended at the scene through the collective efforts of the community members, and the case has since been transferred to Headquarters for discreet and thorough investigation.

“The Command is committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding this incident, including any possible wider criminal network, and ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Adebowale Lawal, commends the bravery, vigilance, and prompt response of the members of the community, whose collective action prevented what could have resulted in a grievous crime. 

“This incident underscores the importance of community policing and the critical role citizens play in supporting security agencies.”