By Kunle Ajibade, Akure

Suspected gunmen have attacked a health centre in Oke Ijebu, located in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting several workers during a late-night operation.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when three armed men reportedly stormed the facility at about 2:00 a.m. The attackers, armed with a pump-action rifle and cutlasses, gained access after scaling the perimeter fence.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the assailants arrived in an unregistered black Toyota Venza, which was parked along a nearby road before the attack.

The spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident, stating that the gunmen specifically targeted staff on duty. He added that the attackers stole personal belongings, including mobile phones and a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.

According to him, the victims were initially taken towards the Olokuta axis along Ondo Road.

“Preliminary investigations show that the suspects forced the victims to remove their clothing before abandoning them in a bush and fleeing the scene,” Jimoh said.

He added that the victims later found safety with personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service stationed nearby.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, has since visited the scene and ordered a full-scale, intelligence-driven investigation into the incident.

“The Commissioner has directed the immediate deployment of tactical and surveillance teams to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice,” Jimoh stated.

He reassured residents that the command has intensified patrols and strengthened collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to prevent further attacks.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, confirmed that it played a key role in rescuing the abducted health workers.

The Corps Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, also disclosed that operatives rescued a 45-year-old man and his 15-year-old son who were abducted on Friday night at Pelebe, along the outskirts of Oda-Akure Road.

Adeleye assured residents that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority for the state government. He urged the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to help improve safety across the state.