…as local hunter dies in gun battle with suspected kidnappers

The Ogun State Police Command has killed one suspected kidnapper and rescued three victims following the criminal attack that occurred at a private dredging site in Magbon Etido, Mowe.

A local hunter who joined in the rescue mission of the abductees was also killed in gun duel with the abductors.

The police had said earlier that the attack resulted to the murder of one soldier and the injury of another who is still receiving treatment at the hospital.

The police further said the incident was an isolated criminal attack and not linked to banditry as being circulated on social media and speculated in some quarters.

Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta yesterday.

Babaseyi explained that the attackers abducted four persons during the incident.

He said that upon the information, police operatives, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies immediatel launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations.

“One of the abducted victims was rescued, while the remains of the other three victims were later recovered.” he said

The Police PRO expressed regret that during the bush-combing exercise, a local hunter supporting the operation lost his life in a gun battle with the kidnapers

He said that the Command extends its condolences to his family.

Babaseyi said that the sustained tactical pressure by the joint security team led to the neutralization of one of the suspects.

He said that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining members of the gang, insisting that incident remains an isolated criminal attack.