Kwara: additional gang members are apprehended, the kidnapping mastermind is slain.

Kwara: additional gang members are apprehended, the kidnapping mastermind is slain.

A suspected kingpin of a kidnap gang was reportedly killed on Tuesday at Elerinjare axis of Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State, when local vigilantes stormed their hideout in the area.

Gists Villa reports that five other members of the kidnap syndicate, suspected to have masterminded the incident that occurred two weeks ago in the town, were also apprehended by the vigilante team.

The vigilante team was led to the hideout of the alleged kidnappers by one Pastor Johnson Ajiboye, whose wife, Mrs Bola Ajiboye, was abducted at her home in Elerinjare and later released after payment of N1m ransom and foodstuff to the kidnappers.

There was a twist of fate, however, when Pastor Oladipo, who went to deliver the ransom, was also seized by the kidnappers, but Mrs Bola 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, neutralised the alleged kingpin, while at least five others were arrested.

Reports said Pastor Johnson and Pastor 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 to Gists Villa on phone in Ilorin on Tuesday, but explained that, “I am still expecting a detailed report to ascertain whether the suspects were actually the masterminds of the Elerinjare kidnapping incident.”