Three Feared Dead as Police Clash With Kidnappers in Oke-Ogun

A joint security operation involving police operatives, local hunters and other security agencies has led to the killing of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of an abducted victim in Otu community, located in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.

The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday. According to him, the operation followed reports of an attack on local hunters who had gone on a hunting expedition in Otu community on May 25.

Although no hunter was killed during the attack, security operatives immediately mobilised to the area after receiving distress reports. The response team, made up of police personnel, local hunters and other security agencies, reportedly tracked the suspected kidnappers into a forested area within the community.

Olayinka said the suspects opened fire on the operatives upon confrontation, leading to a fierce gun duel inside the bush. “However, through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers,” he stated.

The operation also resulted in the rescue of one Mosudi Gbolagade, believed to be about 50 years old, who had earlier been abducted from Okaka community and held captive within the Otu axis.

Police said the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident and had been evacuated for urgent medical treatment. Security operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one single-barrel gun and a machete from the scene of the operation. One of the local hunters involved in the mission reportedly sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Commending the bravery of the operatives and local collaborators, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State praised the synergy between security agencies and community-based hunters, noting that their timely intervention contributed significantly to the success of the operation.

The command reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state and urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

The latest development comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of Oyo State and other areas within the South-West region.