The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed that two suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with operatives along the Akure–Owo Expressway in Ondo State.
The suspects were reportedly among seven masked gunmen who invaded a block industry in Ilu-Abo, Akure North, in the early hours of Wednesday, demanding to see the owner of the facility.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene, where the suspects engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said in a statement that the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when a patrol team from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit responded to a distress call from Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School.
According to Jimoh, two of the suspected kidnappers were killed during the gunfight, while the remaining members of the gang fled into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
He said police recovered locally fabricated weapons, cartridges, mobile phones, face masks and ATM cards from the scene.
“The bodies of the two neutralised suspects have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, while the case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet investigation,” Jimoh said.
He added that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects, who are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange.
Jimoh urged residents, particularly healthcare providers, to report anyone presenting suspicious gunshot injuries or exhibiting unusual movements, noting that such information could aid ongoing investigations.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying operations against criminal elements and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Ondo State.