Amotekun Kills Suspected Kidnapper in Gun Duel, Rescue Victim

Operatives of the Amotekun, Ondo Division have killed a suspected kidnapper, and rescued an abducted victim.

The deceased, identified as Kunle, who is a member of a kidnap syndicate, was reported to have abducted a trader, identified as Folorunsho Shakirudeen, from Ogun State, and were headed to the riverine area of Ondo State when they were intercepted by men of the Amotekun.

It was gathered that the kidnappers had earlier demanded N10m aa ransom, but later reduced it to N2m. They were reported to have been moving the victim in a vehicle from Okitipupa to the coastal community when they ran into Amotekun men.

There was a gun battle between the kidnappers and the Amotekun, which led to the death of one of the kidnappers, while some of the Amotekun operatives sustained injuries. One of the kidnappers, Tayo Ibrahim, was also arrested and one other escaped with bullets injuries.

Also Read: Police Arrest 3 Kidnappers, Recover Ransom in Niger

Confirming the arrest, The Commander of the Ondo Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the operation was part of the ongoing Operation Clean Up being embarked upon by the state security outfit. He also said the kidnappers were arrested by the intelligence unit, after noticing the reckless driving of the driver.

“They drove to Ondo State and our intelligence unit reported reckless driving and we suspected that something was wrong. We launched a manhunt for the hunt and at Okitipupa, we engaged them,” he said.

“They exchanged gunshot and one of them was shot dead. They had negotiated a ransom from N10m to N2m. They asked his boys to bring the ransom to the riverine area of Ondo State. One of our men that were wounded is currently receiving treatment.”

Further investigations showed that the victim, Mr Shakirudeen, was abducted at his home by three gunmen, who forced him into his SUV and drove away. He also said that his family had agreed to pay the ransom before being miraculously rescued.