The kidnappers during the exchange of gunfire shot dead an anti-riot policeman, while a colleague of the late cop, also killed one of the abductors, said to be a Fulani, as others fled into the bush.

“A policeman on escort duty and a suspected kidnapper were shot dead in a gun duel during a foiled attempt to abduct some expatriates working on a mining site in Aruwa village close to Ifewara, in Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun State.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning, July 24, when the kidnappers opened fire on a vehicle conveying two police operatives and two expatriates from the mining site to Ifewara.

The kidnappers during the exchange of gunfire shot dead an anti-riot policeman, while a colleague of the late cop, also killed one of the abductors, said to be a Fulani, as others fled into the bush.

Police source who confirmed the incident also revealed that four of the suspected kidnappers were later arrested in the forest.

An AK-47 with breech no: 97698 with 54 rounds of life ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

Spokesperson for Osun Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, who confirmed the incident to Punch said a police operative and a suspected kidnapper lost their lives to the failed attempted abduction, adding that four Fulani suspects were arrested.

“We learnt the incident happened around 7am on Sunday after they closed from night duty at a mining site located at Aruwa village via Ifewara. Three riot policemen were travelling in same vehicle with two expatriates and their driver when suddenly, some hoodlums opened fire on their vehicle,” the PPRO state.

“An anti-riot policeman, an Inspector was killed but a Sergeant that was with him quickly came out and engaged the suspects, killing one of them, said to be a Fulani and recovered his rifle and some rounds of ammunition, and two mobile phones. But the rifle of the late Inspector and some rounds of ammunition were carted away by the other suspected kidnappers.

“Meanwhile, our men in Ifewara led by the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised and combed forest in the area where they arrested four Fulani suspects.” she added.