A kidnap victim, Alhaji Dauda Isma’il, and a local vigilante, Haruna Tasusuno, have been confirmed dead following a deadly encounter with suspected kidnappers in Korori village, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the tragic incident occurred on June 23 during a coordinated bush combing operation conducted by a combined team of security operatives, including soldiers, police, local vigilantes, and hunters, in a bid to rescue the abducted victim.

The sources said that the rescue team engaged the suspected kidnappers in a fierce gunfight after sighting them in the forest near Korori. In the exchange, Tasusuno sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and was rushed to the General Hospital in Okuta, where he was confirmed dead.

One of the suspected kidnappers was reportedly gunned down during the confrontation. An AK-47 rifle with breach number TK6099 and 13 rounds of live ammunition were recovered at the scene, while the other assailants managed to escape into the surrounding bush.

Shortly after the shootout, the lifeless body of Alhaji Dauda Isma’il, who had earlier been abducted, was discovered in the forest. He had suffered multiple machete cuts and was confirmed dead at the hospital.

The remains of both the vigilante and the kidnap victim were released to their families and buried according to Islamic rites.

Meanwhile, the corpse of the neutralised kidnapper was reportedly seized and set ablaze by an irate mob before security reinforcements could arrive.

Search efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the kidnap gang. (Zagazola)