The people of Elerinjare community, in the Idofian axis of Ifeodun Local Government Area of Kwara state, heaved a sigh of relief following the reported killing of a suspected kidnap gang leader believed to be the mastermind of the abduction incident which occurred in the area some two weeks ago.
Five other members of the alleged gang said to be young Fulanis were also arrested by the vigilante team who stormed their hideout in the area.
The suspected kingpin was allegedly killed on Tuesday at Elerinjare axis during an encounter with local vigilantes who stormed their hideout in the area, according to reports reaching the National Pilot newspaper.
The vigilante team was led to the hideout of the alleged kidnappers by a Pastor, Johnson Ajiboye whose wife, Bola, both of Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, was abducted at her home in Elerinjare and later released after payment of N1m ransom and foodstuffs to the kidnappers.
However, in a twist of fate, when the bearer of the ransom, one Pastor Oladipo, was seized by the kidnappers after delivery of the items, Mrs Ajiboye was released.
The kidnappers also demanded N5m ransom for the release of Pastor Oladipo.
However, on Tuesday, a vigilante team, stormed the hideout of the suspected kidnappers and in an encounter with the vigilante team, the kingpin was killed while at least five other gang members were reportedly arrested.
Reports said, Pastors Johnson and Oladipo led the vigilante team to the hideout of the suspected kidnappers which led to the altercation and subsequent arrest of five other members of the gang.
Reacting to the development, the spokesman of the state police command, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, confirmed the arrest in Ilorin on Tuesday, but explained that he was still expecting detail report to ascertain whether the suspects were actually the masterminds of the Elerinjare kidnap incident.
