Police in Ondo State report that two suspected kidnappers are killed during a gun battle on the Akure–Owo Expressway. According to multiple outlets, operatives respond after gunmen invade a community and attack a block industry in the early hours of Wednesday. The confrontation is said to occur in the Akure North area near Ilu Abo, with police firing back as the suspects attack.
The reports agree that the police kill two suspects during the exchange. The Punch adds that officers recover weapons and mobile phones from the scene. Premium Times says that five other suspected kidnappers escape into nearby bushes, with injuries reported from gunshots. Daily Post Nigeria describes the suspects as a group of about seven involved in the attack before the gunfight.
Following the incident, police begin a manhunt for the remaining suspects. Authorities do not indicate in the reports whether any arrests beyond the two killings are made or provide the identities of those involved.
