The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two of the three persons abducted by suspected kidnappers in Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan, via Ipapo in Orelope Local Government Area, following a coordinated security operation that also resulted in the killing of one suspected kidnapper.
The victims – identified as Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman and Saliu Abubakar – were kidnapped on Monday night after armed men reportedly stormed the community, fired several gunshots to scare residents and forced the victims into a nearby forest.
Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, immediately directed a joint rescue mission involving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and local hunters.
According to the police, security operatives traced the kidnappers to their hideout, where they engaged the suspects in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the operation, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while other members of the gang escaped into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
The Command disclosed that one member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria sustained injuries during the operation and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Police also confirmed that two of the abducted victims were rescued alive and taken to hospital for medical attention.
One of the victims was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound sustained during the incident.
The third victim remains unaccounted for after reportedly becoming separated from the others while escaping during the gun battle between security operatives and the kidnappers.
Ayanlade said security agencies have intensified efforts to locate the missing victim and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He appealed to residents of Ipapo, Gbonkan and surrounding communities to remain vigilant and promptly report individuals with suspicious injuries, particularly gunshot wounds, as they could be linked to the fleeing members of the kidnap gang.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s determination to safeguard lives and property across the state, assuring residents that security operatives would sustain the ongoing operation until the remaining victim is rescued and all those involved in the abduction are arrested and prosecuted.
