The Ondo State Police Command reports that its officers eliminated two alleged kidnappers during a shootout in Ilu-Abo on the Akure-Owo Expressway.
The authorities stated that the operation, conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, resulted in the seizure of a locally made pistol, live ammunition, four mobile phones, face coverings, and two ATM cards.
A statement from the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, indicated that the incident happened around 3:30 a.m. when operatives from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, reacted to an emergency call concerning the actions of armed individuals at Olaiya Block Industry, adjacent to Ilu-Abo High School.
Jimoh stated that initial findings indicated approximately seven masked assailants entered the block industry site and requested to meet the owner.
“Responding quickly to reliable information, the police patrol unit rushed to the location, where the suspects clashed with operatives in a violent shootout.”
“During the confrontation, two of the alleged abductors were eliminated, while the other gang members fled into the nearby foliage with differing levels of gunshot wounds.”
“At the same time, one locally made pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, numerous face masks, and two ATM cards thought to belong to the criminal group or their victims were seized,” the statement indicated.
Jimoh mentioned that the remains of the deceased suspects were taken to the State Specialist Hospital in Akure, and the case has been handed over to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for ongoing investigation.
He mentioned that there were continuing efforts to locate the escaping suspects, who were thought to have suffered gunshot injuries during the confrontation.
The PPRO urged community members, especially healthcare workers, to inform the nearest police station about anyone showing suspicious gunshot wounds or engaging in unusual behavior.
Simultaneously, the command reiterated its dedication to addressing kidnapping and various violent offenses via intelligence-driven policing and improved operational tactics.
It also thanked the public for their ongoing cooperation and encouraged them to share timely and trustworthy information to assist current efforts in eliminating criminal elements from the state.
