Suspected kidnappers have killed a 45-year-old businessman, Alh. Dauda Ismail, in Okuta community of Baruten local government area of Kwara State.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the farm produce merchant was abducted and killed by his abductors on Monday at Takare area of Okuta community.
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday evening, said policemen also neutralised one of the suspects that kidnapped and killed the businessman during the exchange of fire power.
She added that a local vigilante also lost his life in the cross-fire between the policemen and the suspected kidnappers.
The statement read; “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of a tragic incident involving the kidnapping and subsequent killing of one Alhaji Dauda Isma’il, a 45-year-old transporter and farm produce merchant of Takare Area, Okuta, Baruten LGA, Kwara State.
”On the 22nd of June, 2025 at about 2240hrs, a gang of armed men numbering four (4) stormed the residence of the victim and abducted him after shooting sporadically into the air. The gunmen took him to an unknown destination. A Swift response team comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Vigilantes, and local hunters were immediately mobilised for a bush combing operation aimed at rescuing the victim unhurt.
”In a follow-up operation the next day, 23rd of June, 2025 at about 0700hrs, the joint search team encountered the kidnappers at Korori village. A fierce gun duel ensued, wherein one of the kidnappers was neutralized during the exchange of gunfire, his AK-47 rifle loaded with thirteen (13) rounds of live ammunition was recovered. While the remaining suspects fled into the bush and are currently being trailed.
”Sadly, a vigilante named Haruna Tasusuno sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okuta, where he was later confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.
“The kidnap victim, Alhaji Dauda Isma’il, was later found in the bush in a pool of blood with multiple machete cuts, he was also confirmed dead at the hospital.”
