Kwara Police Kill Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Victims

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Men of the Kwara state Police command have killed a suspected kidnapper and rescued three kidnap victims in Alo village, Ifelodun local government area of the state.

THISDAY investigations revealed that the victims were abducted at about 3:00 am last Saturday by a gang of suspected kidnappers, when the hoodlums carried out the attack on the camp of Alhaji Taofio Fulani in Alo Village.

It was also gathered that pursuit of the kidnappers in a coordinated search operation by the police operatives and members of the local vigilant group in the surrounding bush led to a gun duel, while one of the kidnappers was neutralised.

A statement issued in Ilorin on Tuesday, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the police also arrested seven suspected kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition from the hoodlums.

The statement read, “On the night of Saturday, February 24, 2024, at about 0030hrs, a gang of suspected kidnappers carried out a brazen attack on the camp of Alhaji Taofio Fulani in Alo Village, Ifelodun local government area. During the attack, three persons were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.

“Swift response by police operatives and vigilantes resulted in a coordinated search operation in the surrounding bush. As a result, one Babangida Soliu ‘Male’ narrowly escaped from the kidnappers, while two victims, Halimat Umaru ‘Female’ and Husseinat Isiaka ‘Female’ both aged 20years were successfully rescued unharmed.They have since been re-united with their families.

“In further pursuit of the kidnappers and the ensuing gun duel, one of the perpetrators, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was neutralized. Additionally, two suspects, Saidu Soliu and Soliu Abass, sustained serious injuries and were promptly taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

“Subsequently, five suspects were apprehended in connection with the incident. They are identified as Ibrahim Muazu (30 years old); Asimu Salisu (25 years old); Aminu Alaka (25 years old); Aminu Temino (20 years old) and Zakariyau Suleiman (20 years old).

“Items recovered from the suspects include:- two fabricated locally made guns; twelve 7.62mm AK47 live ammunition; eight expended 7.62mm AK47 ammunition; one empty magazine; one cutlass and several plugs.

“The case is currently under investigation, and the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command CP Victor Olaiya assures the public that every effort is being made to ensure the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law”.