Soldiers of 32 Artillery Brigade in Ondo State engaged kidnappers in a gun duel in Ondo State, killing one of the suspected kidnapper in a foiled kidnap and armed robbery operation .
The attempted kidnapping took place along Ibilo-Isua road in Igarra village of the state.
In a statement issued to journalists in Akure, the Commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General Zakari Abubakar said that five other suspects escaped.
According to Zakari, the kidnappers attempted to abduct three travellers when the soldiers and other security agencies swooped on them and a shootout ensued.
“The troops who were on patrol with other security agencies along Ibilo-Isua road encountered a group of armed bandits suspected to be kidnappers. “The bandits attempted to kidnap three travelers in a gold painted Toyota Highlander 2006 model with registration number AKD 55 GS.
“On sighting the troops, the kidnappers tired to engage the troops in a gun battle but were defeated due to troops fire power.
“This resulted to the killing of one of the kidnapper while others escaped into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. “After the incidence, three (3) of the kidnapper victims were rescued and the following items were also recovered at the scene of the incident. The sum of N350,770.00, one cutlass, 11 sachet of tramadol hydrochloride(100mg) and one itel black phone.
Brigadier-General Abubakar had therefore advised the general public to give useful information on any suspected criminals and their hideout to the security agencies of the state.
“The Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state will continue to ensure the security of lives and properties during the festive period,” he assured.
