The Oyo State Police Command has again thwarted a suspected kidnapping attempt in Ibadan, with two persons sustaining gunshot injuries during the incident at the Old Kara area of the city.
Confirming the development to journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the incident occurred on April 21, 2026, at about 7:50 p.m.
According to him, the swift response of security operatives, aided by local hunters, prevented the armed assailants from executing what authorities believe was a planned abduction.
He explained that the police received a distress call from a concerned resident reporting that about four armed hoodlums had stormed a Point of Sale (POS) shop in the area and opened fire.
“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene.
“The prompt intervention of our men, in collaboration with local hunters, foiled the attack and disrupted the criminals’ operation,” Olayinka stated.
During the exchange, two individuals were hit by gunfire but were quickly rescued and transported to a medical facility, where they are said to be responding to treatment.
The police spokesperson added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, noting that security personnel have intensified bush combing operations across the area.
This latest incident comes barely days after a similar attempted kidnapping was foiled by the Command on April 18, 2026, at Onigambari along the Mamu/Ijebu-Ode Road.
In that case, suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked vehicles conveying passengers returning from a social event in Ibadan, causing panic as victims fled into nearby bushes for safety.
Police operatives, acting on a distress call, swiftly intervened and prevented what was described as a planned abduction.
Two persons also sustained gunshot injuries in the earlier incident and were taken to medical facilities where they received treatment.
Other affected victims were attended to at the Awa-Ijebu Police Division.
Following the attacks, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State ordered the deployment of additional personnel to vulnerable areas to reinforce security and deter further criminal activities.
The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents that investigations are ongoing to track down and prosecute those responsible.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, as authorities intensify efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.