Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command said two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during a gun battle at a block industry in Ilu Abo, along the Akure-Owo highway in Akure North Local Council of the state.

In the incident, which occurred early yesterday, a gang of about seven masked armed men reportedly invaded Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School, demanding to see the owner of the facility.

However, their operation was reportedly interrupted by the Federal Highway Patrol Unit following a distress call from community members. In the ensuing gun duel between the police and the suspected kidnappers, two of the suspects were fatally wounded, the police said.

Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said: “The remaining members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.”

Jimoh added that a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several facemasks, and two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards believed to belong to either the criminal syndicate or their victims were recovered from the scene.

He said the deceased’s remains have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the case transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Meanwhile, Jimoh said the command has commenced efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, urging residents, especially healthcare providers and members of the public, to promptly report to the nearest police station any individual presenting gunshot injuries or exhibiting suspicious movements.

The command also commended members of the public for their continued cooperation and urged them to continually provide the agency with timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.