A man and his wife were caught in a crossfire between the joint Police and vigilante shootout with kidnappers during a foiled kidnap attempt in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday in the Oluwalose community, Ilorin-West Local Government, along the Okolowo-Jebba highway.

According to findings, a group of nine armed assailants had invaded an ongoing Islamic prayer camp to kidnap some attendees.

On sighting the assailants and the stampede that ensued, a desperate attendee placed a distress call to the nearby police station, which responded promptly.

“Our gallant patrol team from Oloje division, alongside men of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), was immediately dispatched to the scene,” the Police image maker, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed.

She recalled: “Upon arrival, it was discovered that nine heavily armed individuals, wielding AK-47 rifles and dane-guns, had infiltrated the camp of Alfa Bukhari Jamiu Tunde. The attackers attempted to kidnap guests who had traveled to the camp for prayers. Thanks to the swift response and intervention of the patrol team and the VGN, the kidnapping attempt was foiled, and no one was abducted.”

The Guardian gathered that during the gun battle, a man and his wife from Lagos sustained injuries inflicted by the kidnappers.

“The victims were promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention; they were treated and have been discharged from the hospital,” Toun confirmed.

Meanwhile, the command has stationed patrol teams in the area to conduct a thorough search for the assailants, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Police added that the situation in Solaty Village is under control, and monitoring continues to ensure the safety and security of the residents.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) Victor Olaiya commended the bravery and prompt action of his men and the VGN members, saying: “Their dedication and quick response undoubtedly prevented a potential tragic event.”

He assured that the command remains committed to safeguarding the lives and properties of all residents, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.