Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers In Ondo Gun Battle

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle at Ilu-Abo on the Akure-Owo Expressway in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

Naija News reports that the command said the operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday after it received a distress call over the activities of some armed suspects at Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday morning.

According to Abayomi, about seven masked gunmen invaded the block industry around 3:30 am and demanded to see the owner of the business.

The police spokesman said a patrol team from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, swiftly responded to the distress call and engaged the suspects in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Abayomi said, “During the encounter, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while the remaining members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

“Meanwhile, 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.”

He added that the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, for preservation and other necessary procedures.

Abayomi said the case had been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet and comprehensive investigation.

He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had ordered a manhunt for the fleeing gang members.

The police commissioner also urged healthcare providers and members of the public to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or moving suspiciously within their communities.

According to the command, the operation underscored its resolve to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing and improved operational strategies.