One Suspected Kidnapper Killed, Five Arrested in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A combined operation of the men of  Kwara State Police command and the local vigilance operatives yesterday  in Elerinjare town in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state has led to arrest of five suspected members of a kidnap gang in their hideouts.

It was also gathered that a suspected kingpin of the gang was reportedly killed when the security operatives stormed the hideout during the operation.

Reports had it that members of the kidnap gang had masterminded a kidnap incident in the area about two weeks ago.

It was also gathered that vigilance team in the town was led to the hideout of the alleged kidnappers by one Pastor Johnson Ajiboye, whose wife, Mrs. Bola Ajiboye, was abducted at her shop in Elerinjare town and later released after payment of N1 million ransom and foodstuff were given to the kidnappers.

One Pastor Oladipo, who had reportedly gone to deliver the ransom, was also seized by the kidnappers, while Mrs. Bola Ajiboye was released.

The kidnappers also demanded N5 million ransom for the release of Pastor Oladipo.

However,  yesterday a vigilance team stormed the hideout of the suspected kidnappers and in an encounter, neutralised the alleged kingpin, while at least five others were arrested.

Reports said Pastor Johnson and Pastor Oladipo led the vigilance team to the hideout of the suspected kidnappers, which led to a crossfire and subsequent arrest of five other members of the gang.

Speaking on the development last night in Ilorin,  the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr.  Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the arrest but said that the command was still expecting a detailed report to ascertain whether the suspects were actually the masterminds of the Elerinjare kidnapping incident.