A suspected kidnapper has been killed by members of a local vigilante group and local hunters in Akunnu Akoko in the Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo state.
The kidnappers had abducted the seven people on Saturday while travelling to the northern part of the country and marched them into the forest in the area.
The gunmen stopped the victims vehicle between a boundary community between Ondo state and Edo state.
According to a source, the people of the Akunnu Akoko noticed the empty vehicle and suspected the occupants of the vehicle had been abducted.
He said the incident was reported to the regent of the town, Princess Tolani Orogun, who ordered the local hunters and vigilante to comb the entire forest and secure the release of the kidnapped victims.
He however said that the exercise yielded result as the kidnappers were rounded up in their den, leading to exchange of gun fire between the criminals and the local hunters.
One of the kidnappers was shot dead in an attempt to run away. Others however ran away with gunshot wounds while the seven abducted victims were rescued unhurt.
Police Area Commander in charge of Ikare Akoko, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Razak Rauf confirmed the development.
He said the seven victims had regained their freedom while the remains of the kidnapper killed during gun duel had been deposited at the State General hospital morgue in Ikare Akoko.
Study @ Achievers University
