Police Kill Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Victims in Kwara

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 a.m. 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 the pursuit of the kidnappers in a coordinated search operation by the police operatives and members of the local vigilante in the surrounding bush led to an ensued gun duel, where one of the kidnappers was neutralised.

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

The statement read: “On the night of 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 LGA. 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 narrowly escaped from the kidnappers, while two other victims, Halimat Umaru  and Husseinat Isiaka both female and aged 20, 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 neutralised. 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; Asimu Salisu, 25; Aminu Alaka, 25; Aminu Temino, 20,  and Zakariyau Suleiman, 20.

“Also, items recovered from the suspects included two fabricated locally made guns, twelve 7.62mm AK47 live ammunition, eight expended 7.62mm AK47 ammunition, one empty magazine and one cutlass and several plugs.

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