Operatives of the Osun State Police Command have arrested three suspects in connection with the abduction of herders in Wasinmi and Ijebu-Jesa, recovering N2.2 million believed to be ransom proceeds.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan paraded the suspects on Wednesday at the command headquarters in Osogbo, detailing the successful operations that thwarted the kidnapping rings.
Gun Duel as Suspects Attempt to Collect Ransom
Mr Gotan disclosed that one suspect was arrested on July 12 for the abduction of a 50-year-old herder in a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village, along the Gbongan–Ife/Ibadan Road, three days after the victim was taken.
The suspect was intercepted by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Anti-Kidnapping Section while attempting to collect ransom from the victim’s relatives.
“On sighting police operatives, the suspect’s gang opened fire, leading to a gun duel. Some of the suspects were shot but escaped with gunshot injuries,” the commissioner stated.
The arrested individual was apprehended with bullet wounds and has since been hospitalised for treatment. The N2.2 million recovered at the scene is suspected to be part of the ransom proceeds, and efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices.
Second Arrest Leads to Another in Oyo
In a separate operation, Mr Gotan said a suspected member of another kidnapping gang was arrested on May 7 while attempting to abduct a herder in a settlement in Ijebu-Jesa. That arrest subsequently led to the apprehension of another suspect in Iseyi Town, Oyo State.
The commissioner added that additional suspects have been arrested across the state for various offences, and all will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
