Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle at a block industry in Ilu Abo, along the Akure-Owo Highway in Akure North Local Government Area.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday after about seven masked gunmen reportedly stormed Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School, and demanded to see the owner of the facility.
Police respond to distress call
According to the Ondo State Police Command, officers attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit responded after residents raised an alarm over the attack.
The police said a fierce exchange of gunfire followed, during which two of the suspected kidnappers were shot dead, while other members of the gang fled into a nearby forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
Weapons and other items recovered
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said officers recovered several items from the scene, including:
- A locally made pistol
- Live cartridges
- Four mobile phones
- Several face masks
- Two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards
According to the police, the recovered ATM cards are believed to belong either to members of the gang or their victims.
Investigation underway
Jimoh said the bodies of the two deceased suspects have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital in Akure.
He added that the case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
The police spokesperson said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and appealed to healthcare workers and members of the public to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or exhibiting suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station.
He also commended residents for providing timely information that helped officers respond to the incident and encouraged continued cooperation in the fight against crime….See More
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