A soldier, who was part of the rescue team trailing gunmen, who kidnapped a Lebanese and his aide in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, has been found dead.

The soldier was among the team drafted to secure the release of Hassan Mills, the victim.

Mills was abducted by gunmen on his way to Panorama Farms at Oke Alaro area of Ibadan.

According to Olugbenga Fadeyi, police public relations officer in Oyo, the corpses of the soldier and a civilian were found at the kidnappers’ hideout.

“On 12/12/2020 at about 17:23 hours, one Hassan Mills ‘m’ of Panorama Farm Mekun, Oke Alaro area of Ibadan was abducted at the entrance of his farm by gunmen, who shot severally before taking him away into the forest,” the statement read.

“In a swift response, the DPO Oke Alaro, combed the forest with a view to rescue the abductor from his captors and also arrest the culprits.

“Consequent upon this, a team of Operation Burst which was invited by the company arrived the area and proceeded to the forest. Not too long, one Army Lieutenant sustained gunshot injury on his right lap, and immediately taking to the hospital while the personal assistant to the abducted man, who was also abducted alongside his boss escaped during the exchange of gunfire.

“On 13/12/2020, two corpses of one soldier and a civilian were discovered in the forest while a civil defence personnel also sustained gun shot injury. It is worthy of note that movement of these foreign nationals most of the time are not known to the police authority in the state to enable professional advice to be given appropriately.”