Police kill two suspected kidnappers in Ondo gun battle

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Members of a police patrol team early Wednesday killed two suspected kidnappers in response to a distress call in Ilu Abo community, along the Akure–Owo Expressway of Ondo State.

Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for Ondo Police Command said in a statement that the suspected kidnappers were killed by operatives of a patrol team from the Federal Highway Unit, Ilu-Abo.

He said the operatives had responded to a distress call about presence of gunmen at Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School along the Akure–Owo Expressway.

The spokesperson said preliminary reports indicated that about seven masked gunmen invaded the premises of the block industry and demanded to see the owner.

But acting swiftly on credible intelligence, the police patrol team mobilized to the scene, where they engaged the suspects in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

He added that during the gun battle, two of the suspected kidnappers were killed, while the remaining members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.

The Ondo Police Command spokesperson added that one locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks, as well as two ATM Cards believed to belong to the criminal syndicate or their victims were recovered at the scene of the encounter.

“The bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, for preservation and other necessary procedures, while the case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet and comprehensive investigation,” Jimoh said.

The Ondo Police spokesperson further informed that efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, who are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter have commenced.

He therefore advised residents, particularly healthcare providers and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting suspicious gunshot injuries or exhibiting suspicious movements to the nearest police station.

Jimoh said the operation further underscored the unwavering resolve of the Ondo Police Command to rid the State of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to deploying intelligence-led policing, strengthening operational responses, and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within Ondo State.

“The Command equally appreciates members of the public for their continued cooperation and encourages them to provide timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements,” the spokesperson concluded.