A suspected kidnapper and a leader of the vigilante group of Nigeria in Igbo-Ora area of Oyo state, Tajudeen Ayanwale lost their lives during an exchange of gunfire between the police and a gang of kidnappers in Igbo-Ora area of the state.

Other members of the gang who sustained serious injury are now on the run.

For sometimes now, Igbo-Ora in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo state has been in the news following the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements in the area.

Operatives of the Oyo state police command alongside members of the vigilante group of Nigeria last Tuesday rescued a businessman identified as Bakare Adamu from the grip of suspected kidnappers.

During the rescue operation, a leader of the vigilante group of Nigeria in the area, Tajudden Ayanwale alongside one of the abductors was killed during a gun battle between the police and the kidnappers.

The victim, a Fulani cow merchant was kidnapped around 8 pm in his farm and was made to trek for about eight hours in the bush before the police and members of the vigilante group came to his rescue.

Speaking with journalists during an on the spot assessment of the scene of the crime, the commissioner of police in the state, Shina Olukolu lauded the partnership between the police and vigilante group in the area promising that the police would not relent in protecting the lives of the people.

He, therefore, appealed to the people of Ibarapa that the fleeing suspects would soon be arrested.

Olukolu called for the continuous support of the people of Oyo state for the safety of lives and property.