Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have shot dead two suspected kidnappers during a fierce gun battle at Ilu-Abo along the Akure–Owo Expressway.
The command's spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed in a statement that the incident occurred after officers attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit in Ilu-Abo responded to a distress call reporting the presence of armed men at Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School.
According to the police, about seven masked gunmen had stormed the block industry and demanded to see the owner before the patrol team arrived at the scene.
On sighting the operatives, the suspects reportedly opened fire, prompting a gun duel.
During the exchange, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while the remaining members of the gang fled into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
Police operatives 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.
The command said 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 (SCID) for further investigation.
The police added that efforts are underway to track down the fleeing suspects and appealed to hospitals, healthcare providers and members of the public to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries or displaying suspicious movements.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, reaffirmed the command's commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid ongoing operations across the state.
