Dozens of persons being held captive by suspected bandits at Baba-Sango hideouts in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State escaped Tuesday following a major security operation against the criminals.
A security officer, who confirmed the development in Ilorin, said the raid was a modest success despite an ambush laid by the bandits.
“The security operation has really been a modest success, in spite of the ambush laid for the government forces. Not only were several of the criminals eliminated, but dozens of their victims have also fled the area. Many are now in Babanla and Shagbe.
“Also, a forest guard who we thought we had lost to the operation has since returned home after the operation that lasted between Sunday and Monday morning,” he stated.
A government source explained that the victims fled after their captors abandoned them and scampered for safety during the offensive.
“Many of their abductors died in the encounter with the security forces, while others fled to safety. While a lot may need to be done, the Sunday night operation has posted appreciable success in the government’s efforts to rout out the criminals,” the source said.
He added: “Community leaders in Babanla have reported seeing many kidnap victims who escaped from Baba-Sango in the aftermath of the operation. The security crackdowns are steadily being done until the cowards are totally chased out of the state.”
Hammed Shittu
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