Police shoot two kidnappers in Ondo during gunfight

The Ondo State Police say their officers have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gunfight in Ilu-Abo along the Akure-Owo Expressway.

The police carried out the operation in the early hours of Wednesday. They also recovered a locally made gun, live cartridges, four mobile phones, face masks, and two ATM cards.

A statement from the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the incident happened at about 3:30 a.m. Officers from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit in Ilu-Abo responded to a distress call about armed men at Olaiya Block Industry beside Ilu-Abo High School.

Jimoh said initial findings showed that about seven masked gunmen entered the block industry and asked to see the owner. "Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, the police patrol team mobilized to the scene, where the suspects engaged operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire."

"During the encounter, two of the suspected kidnappers were killed, while the other gang members ran into the nearby bush with different levels of gunshot injuries."

"Meanwhile, one locally made pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks, and two ATM cards believed to belong to the criminal group or their victims were recovered," the statement said.

Jimoh said the bodies of the deceased suspects have been taken to the State Specialist Hospital in Akure. The case has been handed over to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

He added that police are still trying to track down the escaped suspects, who are believed to have injuries from the shooting. The PPRO urged residents, especially healthcare workers, to report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds or unusual behavior to the nearest police station.

The police also reiterated their commitment to fighting kidnapping and other violent crimes through smart policing and improved operational methods. They thanked the public for their continued support and encouraged timely and reliable information to help in the fight against crime in the state.