By Sunday Ameh
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle along the Akure-Owo Expressway, thwarting what authorities believe was a planned abduction at a block industry in Ilu-Abo.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the operation was carried out by officers attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, following a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m.
According to the police, about seven masked armed men had invaded Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School, and demanded to see the owner of the business.
Jimoh said the patrol team swiftly mobilised to the scene, where the hoodlums opened fire on the operatives, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
He said two of the suspected kidnappers were fatally shot during the encounter, while the remaining members of the gang fled into a nearby bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
The police recovered a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks and two ATM cards believed to belong to the suspects or their victims.
According to the statement, the bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, while the case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The command said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and urged residents, particularly healthcare workers, to report anyone presenting with gunshot wounds or displaying suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing.
He also appreciated members of the public for providing timely information that continues to support security operations across Ondo State.
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