Members of the Ondo State Police Command successfully neutralized two suspected kidnappers during an armed confrontation at a block manufacturing site in Ilu Abo, situated on the Akure-Owo Highway within the Akure North Local Government Area.
The event transpired early Thursday morning when a group of approximately seven individuals wearing masks arrived at Olaiya Block Industry, located near Ilu-Abo High School, and insisted on meeting the business owner.
Authorities stated that personnel from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit arrived on the scene following a distress signal from the community. A intense firefight ensued, resulting in the fatal wounding of two perpetrators. Abayomi Jimoh, the state Police Public Relations Officer, verified the outcome and noted that the remaining gang members managed to flee into the forest, likely suffering from gunshot injuries.
The police recovered several items from the site, including a homemade firearm, ammunition, four mobile devices, masks, and two ATM cards potentially belonging to the victims or the criminals. The remains of the dead suspects are currently at the State Specialist Hospital in Akure. The Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department is now handling the investigation.
Law enforcement officials are actively searching for the fugitives. They have requested that healthcare providers and the public notify the nearest police station if they encounter anyone with bullet wounds or suspicious activities. Jimoh thanked the public for their assistance and urged them to maintain their support for police anti-crime operations.
