The police command in Oyo State said it rescued two kidnap victims and killed one suspected kidnappers in Gbonkan village, located along Ipapo, in the Oorelope Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, the police said the victims were abducted in an area known as Gaa Alhaji on Monday at about 8:30pm.

Mr Olayinka said the suspected gunmen reportedly invaded the area, fired gunshots indiscriminately to scare people, before abducting three adult men identified as Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman and Saliu Abubakar.

“The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a significant operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat violent crimes and protect the lives and property of residents, following a kidnapping incident at Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan, via Ipapo, in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State,” the statement said.

The spokesman stated that upon being briefed, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Ipapo Division to coordinate a robust joint security operation.

The team, which comprised police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilance Group of Nigeria (VGN) and hunters collaborated to rescue the victims, apprehend the perpetrators and restore normalcy to the community.

The spokesman added that the joint security team mobilised to the scene promptly, commenced a coordinated search-and-rescue operation and assessed the crime scene, during which relevant evidence and exhibits were identified, documented and secured for investigative purposes.

Mr Olayinka stated, “Leveraging available technology, actionable intelligence, and evidence recovered from the scene, the joint security team strategically combed the surrounding forests and adjoining communities in a sustained pursuit of the fleeing suspects.”

He said the intensive operation eventually led security operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout in the forest, adding that a gun battle ensued between the operatives and the suspects.

“In the ensuing exchange, one of the suspected abductors was neutralised, while other members of the gang fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds. One operative of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) sustained injuries during the encounter and is currently responding to medical treatment,” he said.

Mr Olayinka said the sustained offensive by the joint security team led to the rescue of two the victims, one of whom sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot injury, while the third victim, ran to a different direction during the exchange of gunfire, was believed to be safe.

The spokesman said, “The third victim, who became separated from the others after reportedly running in a different direction during the exchange of gunfire, is believed to be safe. Intensive search efforts are ongoing to locate and reunite him with his family.”

He noted that security operatives continued to act on actionable intelligence and maintain pressure on the fleeing suspects to ensure their arrest and prosecution.

Mr Olugbenga assured the public that the operation would remain active until the remaining victim was safely located and every member of the criminal gang behind the attack apprehended and brought to justice.

The command appealed to residents of Ipapo, Gbonkan town and adjoining communities to remain calm, vigilant and supportive by providing credible information, particularly about anyone with suspicious wounds or gunshot injuries or anyone seeking medical treatment under suspicious circumstances.