According to information gathered by PUNCH Metro, a herder named Alhaji Adamu was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday by an 11-member gang that launched an attack on Abase village.

Reportedly, a combined team of police officers and hunters initiated a rescue operation, locating the area in the bush where Adamu was held captive. A confrontation ensued between the rescue team and the abductors, with gunfire exchanged between the parties.

In the course of this exchange, two of the abductors were reportedly shot and killed, while the remaining perpetrators managed to escape into the surrounding wilderness with gunshot wounds.

A source familiar with the security operation, who took part in the search and rescue mission but was not authorized to provide official statements, revealed to PUNCH Metro, "During the exchange of gunshots, two of the abductors were incapacitated, and others fled the scene with gunshot injuries. The victim was successfully rescued and transported to a hospital in Iwo town. The bodies of the deceased abductors have been taken to the police station in Iwo."

When contacted, Yemisi Opalola, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, confirmed the incident. She urged enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders to combat criminal activities across various parts of the state.