… Vow to track fleeing gang members with bullet wounds

… Recover firearms, ATM cards

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have neutralized two suspected kidnappers following a gun battle at a block industry in Ilu Abo, along the busy Akure-Owo highway, Akure North Local Council Area of the state.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 8th July 2026, saw a gang of about seven masked armed men invade Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School.

According to sources, the suspects had demanded to see the owner of the facility when their operation was interrupted by a swift response from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, following a distress call from community members.

The ensuing gun duel between the police operatives and the suspected kidnappers lasted several minutes, with officers outmanoeuvring the armed gang.

Two of the suspects were fatally wounded during the exchange, while the remaining five members fled into the surrounding bush with gunshot wounds.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, said the operation demonstrated the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes in the state.

“A patrol team from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, responded to a distress call regarding the activities of armed men at Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School.

“During the encounter, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralized, while the remaining members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” Jimoh stated.

The police spokesman further disclosed that a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks, and two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards believed to belong to either the criminal syndicate or their victims were recovered from the scene.

The bodies of the deceased suspects have since been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, the state capital, with the case transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department.

He said, “The Command has commenced efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, who are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.

“Residents, particularly healthcare providers and members of the public, are urged to promptly report any individual presenting suspicious gunshot injuries or exhibiting suspicious movements to the nearest police station.

“This operation further underscores the unwavering resolve of the Ondo State Police Command to rid the State of kidnapping and other violent crimes. The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to deploying intelligence-led policing, strengthening operational responses, and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within Ondo State.

“The Command equally appreciates members of the public for their continued cooperation and encourages them to provide timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.”