At least three notorious kidnappers were neutralized during a shootout with fellow gang members in Okpella Forest, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects Usman Aliyu, Usman Mohammed, and Mohammedu Abubakar, had earlier confessed to several high-profile abductions, including the kidnapping of Reverend Father Philip Mario and the killing of Seminarian Peter Andrew on March 3, 2025, at St. Peter?s Catholic Church, Iviukhua Community.

The sources said the suspects also admitted to the February 2025 abduction of the Enogie of Udo in Igueben Local Government Area.

According to the sources, the trio was leading operatives to their gang?s hideout in Okpella Forest late Monday night when they walked into an ambush laid by other members of their syndicate.

?In the exchange of gunfire, the three suspects jumped out of the police van and sustained fatal gunshot injuries,? police sources Zagazola.

They were rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.

Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, many of whom may have sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight. (Zagazalo: Text, Excluding Headline)