The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a police inspector during a rescue operation for a kidnapped victim in Oyo West Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at Olorunda Village, Ojongbodu, where suspected kidnappers invaded a residence and abducted a man identified as Haruna Lawal. The attackers also fled with the victim’s motorcycle.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso — sorry — Olayinka Ayanlade, the command received a distress call at about 2:10 a.m. from a woman identified as Alimot, reporting that armed suspects had stormed her brother’s home.
Police operatives were immediately deployed to the area on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna. The swift response and aggressive search of surrounding bushes forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee as patrol vans advanced with sirens. Lawal was subsequently rescued alive.
However, during the operation, a police inspector was killed while bravely confronting the assailants. Preliminary investigations indicate that some of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries. A manhunt has been launched to track and arrest the fleeing attackers.
The rescued victim sustained a head injury during the attack and was rushed to the General Hospital in Oyo town, where he is currently receiving medical attention. The police command described the rescue as a reflection of its commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that investigations into the incident are ongoing.