The Ondo State Police Command has killed two suspected kidnappers during a gunfight with security operatives along the Akure-Owo Expressway, while several members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds.
The operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday at Ilu-Abo, following a distress call reporting the presence of armed men around Olaiya Block Industry, near Ilu-Abo High School.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said officers attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit responded to the emergency at about 3:30 a.m.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that about seven armed men wearing face masks stormed the block industry and demanded to see its 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.”
Jimoh said the confrontation ended with two of the suspected kidnappers being shot dead, while others fled into nearby bushes after reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.
“During the encounter, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralized, while the remaining members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.”
The police also recovered several items believed to have been used by the gang or taken from victims. The exhibits include a locally made pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, face masks and two ATM cards.
According to the command, the bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital in Akure, while the case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Jimoh said security operatives had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, expressing confidence that they would be apprehended.
He appealed to hospitals, clinics and other healthcare providers to alert the police if anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds seeks medical attention.
The police spokesperson also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating violent crimes across the state through intelligence-driven policing and strengthened security operations.