By Suleiman Shehu
The Police Command in Oyo State has rescued two children who were abducted by hoodlums that invaded Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area on Friday.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Ibadan.
Olayinka said that four suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue operation conducted by police operatives in collaboration with Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups and hunters.
He said the joint security team, acting on credible intelligence, supported by technical resources and coordinated field operations, successfully traced the abductors’ hideout deep within the forest.
“On sighting the advancing security team, the hoodlums opened fire, resulting in a gun duel.
“The operatives responded professionally, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions,” the PPRO said.
He said that one of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the operation while attempting to escape and was apprehended while three mobile phones were recovered at the scene.
Olayinka said that in an operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, another suspect, aged 28 was arrested and found to have sustained gunshot wounds believed to have been inflicted during the exchange of fire with the joint security team.
“He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and remains in police custody,” Olayinka said.
Olayinka said that further investigations led to the arrest of the third suspect aged 30 and identified as a local collaborator who allegedly provided logistical support to the criminal syndicate.
According to him ,operatives arrested the fourth suspect aged 29, who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction operation.
The police spokesman said the four suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network.
Olayinka said that the two abducted children were rescued safely and promptly taken for medical attention.
He said one of the rescued children sustained injuries during the ordeal but was treated before reunited with family members.(NAN)