Three Killed in Kwara Kidnap Incident as Businessman, Vigilante, and Suspect Die in Gun Battle

A violent kidnapping in Okut, located in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, has resulted in the deaths of three individuals: a prominent local businessman, a vigilante officer, and one of the suspected kidnappers.

According to sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, armed men — believed to be of Fulani origin — invaded the residence of Alhaji Dauda Ismaila, a well-known businessman and farmer, at about 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. The assailants reportedly fired multiple gunshots into the air to cause panic before abducting Alhaji Dauda and fleeing into the nearby forest.

A local vigilante group swiftly mobilised and tracked the kidnappers deep into the bush. A fierce gunfight broke out during the rescue attempt, leading to the deaths of one suspected kidnapper, Alhaji Dauda, who was hit in the crossfire, and a vigilante officer who was part of the pursuit.

“One of the kidnappers was shot and killed, but tragically, Alhaji Dauda was also caught in the crossfire and died on the spot,” a source disclosed. “A member of the vigilante team was also killed in the shootout.”

The Joint Task Force has since launched a manhunt for the remaining attackers and has pledged to bring them to justice.

This incident adds to a worrying trend of kidnappings in the area. On May 31, a resident of Shiya community was abducted and released only after a ransom was paid. Earlier, in February, another attempt resulted in the death of Alhaji Fatai Olowogbo, who succumbed to gunshot wounds.

Residents say kidnappings have become a regular occurrence, stoking fear and disrupting daily life. Community leaders are calling for urgent intervention by security agencies and the government to restore peace in the area.

Efforts to reach Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Police Command, for an official response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.