Kwara State was thrown into chaos on Thursday evening after a fierce gun duel led to the arrest of five suspected kidnappers, comprising both Yoruba and Fulani, at Ero Dam, Odo-Owa community in Oke-Ero and Ekiti Local Government Areas.
According to credible reports, the suspects were trailed to their hideouts by a combined team of soldiers, local vigilantes, and hunters, following actionable intelligence. The criminals reportedly resisted arrest, prompting an exchange of gunfire before they were eventually overpowered.
Recovered items from the hideout included huge sums of money in both naira and dollar notes, further deepening suspicion of their alleged criminal operations.
Tension escalated soon after the arrests, as angry residents stormed the homes of the suspected kidnappers, setting their properties ablaze. Among the torched valuables were a Prado Jeep and a Toyota Corolla, both belonging to the suspects.
Confirming the incident, the District Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Iloffa Division, Mr. Felix Oguntifa, disclosed that two of the arrested suspects have been positively identified. They include Bunmi, an indigene of Odo-Owa, and Ramoni, a Fulani man.
Oguntifa further revealed that by 7:00 pm, there was a breakdown of law and order as enraged youths went on rampage, attacking parts of the Fulani community in retaliation for the alleged kidnapping activities.
This development has heightened tension in the affected areas, raising fresh concerns about security and communal harmony in Kwara State.
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