By Christopher Oji, Lagos

A local hunter who joined forces with the police in chasing a gang of kidnappers was shot dead in an Ogun forest.

The Police and other hunters were able to arrest two suspected members of the gang and rescued two victims.

According to Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)SP Abimbola Oyeyemi,”two suspected kidnappers were on Tuesday 28th of March 2023, arrested by operatives of Ogun state Police Command and two kidnapped victims were rescued from them.

“The suspects, Mohammed Bello, and Mohammed Bashiru were arrested following a distress call received from Bisodun village, at about 8 pm, that kidnappers had invaded the community and that a couple Mr and Mrs Ojo, had been abducted by the hoodlums.

“Upon the distress call, DPO Owode Egba division, CSP Olasunkanmi Popoola, raced to the scene where he met the local hunters, who had already mobilised in large numbers to confront the kidnappers. The policemen, together with the hunters stormed the forest in search of the kidnappers and the victims.

“While combing the bush, the kidnappers suddenly opened fire on the rescue team which the security men responded to, but one of the hunters was unfortunately hit by the bullet.

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“Having been overwhelmed by the firing from the police and the hunters, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and ran for cover.

“The abducted victims and the injured hunter were quickly rushed to the hospital but the hunter, Adebare Ramoni, gave up the ghost while receiving treatment.

“At about 10: am in the morning, there was information that the suspects were sighted somewhere in the bush, consequence upon which the Area commander Owode Egba, ACP Adeniyi Adedeji, led teams of policemen to the scene and together with the hunters stormed the bush and successfully apprehended two amongst the kidnappers.

“The two suspects have been identified by the victims as members of the gang that abducted them.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, CP Frank Mba, who commended the local hunters for their support has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the anti-kidnapping unit of the state Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

The CP also sympathised with the family of the deceased hunters and pray that God would give them the fortitude to bear the unfortunate death.