Three individuals sustained critical injuries during a gun duel between armed bandits and local vigilantes in Sepeteri, Saki East local government area of Oyo State.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities in the incident that occurred within the Old Oyo National Park on Monday, though it did cause widespread panic in the neighborhood.
The Nigerian Tribune Newspaper reports that numerous shots were fired during the prolonged clash, which persisted for several hours until the intervention of security operatives. Local residents mobilized against the bandits, successfully thwarting a potential kidnapping attempt.
While some residents asserted that one individual was kidnapped, police reports contradicted this claim, maintaining that no kidnappings took place.
Confirming the attack, the police, through a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, refuted allegations of killings and kidnappings in the area.
Instead, the statement clarified that a gun duel occurred between the bandits and vigilante members, resulting in three injuries among the vigilante group. Efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits.
The statement explained, “Preliminary investigations revealed that some local vigilante groups around the aforementioned location, while in pursuit of alleged abductors, engaged the latter in a gun duel which led to the injury of three vigilante members who were part of the team.
“Consequently, it is important to note that no lives were lost, and the injured are presently responding to the medical intervention provided to them at the hospital.
“Furthermore, there has been an increase in the deployment of police operational and tactical assets, along with other relevant security services, to forestall any untoward occurrences within the area and its environs.
“While urging all law-abiding residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear or hindrance, as the police and other security agencies remain firmly on top of the situation, members of the public are encouraged to provide credible and timely information to the police and other law enforcement agencies at all times to help nip crime in the bud.”
