By Prosper Mene
A courageous grandmother and quick-thinking community members have thwarted an attempted child theft in Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State, rescuing a three-year-old boy from suspected kidnappers.
The incident occurred on Saturday, March 22, 2026, when Mrs. Olanireti sent her young son, Alex Ayobami, on a simple errand to his grandmother, Mrs. Olawale, who lives behind her shop on Ioso Street.
A concerned resident, identified as Oni, noticed suspicious activity around the child and immediately raised an alarm. Mrs. Olanireti rushed to the scene, where she found two men attempting to flee with little Alex on an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle.
In a dramatic intervention, the boy’s grandmother, Mrs. Olawale, fearlessly held onto the motorcycle to prevent the suspects from escaping. Neighbours quickly mobilised, blocking the men’s path and ensuring they could not get away.
The two suspects, identified as Adefarati Idowu and Adepoju Babatunde, were apprehended on the spot through the combined efforts of the community and responding police officers. The child was rescued unharmed.
Ondo State Police Command spokesman, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the details in a statement on Wednesday, describing the case as a suspected conspiracy and attempted child stealing.
“The vigilance and prompt information by neighbours foiled the kidnap attempt,” Jimoh said. He added that the case has been transferred to police headquarters for discreet and thorough investigation, with efforts underway to uncover any possible wider criminal network.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the bravery of the community members, particularly the grandmother’s bold action.
The police have urged parents and guardians to remain extra vigilant, especially when sending young children on errands, and called on the public to report any suspicious activities immediately.
