BY
TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
Two suspected kidnappers have been shot dead in Iwo, Osun State, during a police and hunters’ operation to rescue a Fulani herder, identified as Alhaji Adamu, who was abducted in Abase Village.
Adamu was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, by an 11-man gang said to be Bororo that attacked his village and took him to an undisclosed location in the bush.
But a security team of police operatives and hunters swiftly responded to the situation and stormed the bush in the area which resulted in an exchange of gunshots.
During the shootout, two of the abductors were reportedly shot dead, while others fled into the bush with gunshot injuries.
A security source who participated in the search said, “In the early hours of today, Tuesday, an incident of kidnapping occurred at Agbese Village near Idi Araba, Oke Oba, Iwo West LCDA.
“A gang of about 11 men who are Fulanis/Bororos went to Agbase Village and abducted one Alhaji Adamu, a Fulani from his farm. Even though the kidnappers succeeded in whisking away the man from his farm, the villagers raised the alarm, and the police were swiftly informed, which led to the deployment of a rescue team in conjunction with the local hunters, who quickly combed the bushes and sighted the abductors and their captive.
“There was an exchange of gunshots during which two of the abductors were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot injuries. The victim was however rescued and taken to a hospital in Iwo town. The remains of the killed abductors had been taken to the police station in Iwo.
“Presently, the rescue team has gone back to the bush to possibly apprehend or neutralise other members of the gang who are believed to be hiding in the bush.”
When contacted, Osun Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident and called for improved collaboration from all stakeholders to nip crime in the bud in all parts of the state.
