Residents of Sepeteri in Saki East Local Government area of Oyo State experienced heightened tension as suspected bandits, engaged in a gun battle with local vigilantes.
The conflict reportedly unfolded after the bandits attacked and abducted two individuals during an event near the old Oyo National Park, resulting in one fatality on Monday.
The assailants fled into the National Park Forest Reserve with their abductees, triggering concerns among the local populace.
A gun duel erupted between the armed bandits and vigilantes, leading to three critical injuries among the vigilante group. However, security operatives intervened to bring the situation under control.
One of the hunters, Elisha Olanrewaju, told Vanguard, “Some bandits attacked some people at a function killing a man, injured one, and abducted two others.
“We went into the bush and we were able to rescue a victim. They started shooting at us. They ran away moving towards Iseyin.
“But, the atmosphere there is calm now and security agents are there. When they engaged us, nobody died. We thank God.”
Contrary to some residents’ claims of a kidnapping, the police refuted such allegations and clarified the incident.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, 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.”
The police assured the public that there were no fatalities and that the injured vigilantes were receiving medical attention.
Additionally, security measures have been intensified in the area to prevent further incidents, with law enforcement agencies urging residents to go about their activities without fear.
Authorities encouraged the public to provide credible and timely information to help address and prevent criminal activities in the region.
