Several Kwara kidnap victims escape as security forces raid criminals’ hideouts

According to operatives and community leaders in Babanla, located in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, numerous individuals detained at the Babasango hideouts utilized by criminals have escaped following a recent security operation in the area.

“The security initiative has proven to be a moderate success despite the ambush set for the government forces. In addition to the elimination of several criminals, numerous victims have successfully fled the vicinity. Many of these individuals are currently seeking refuge in Babanla and Shagbe,” a source reported on Tuesday.

“Also, a forest guard which we thought we had lost to the operation has since returned home after the operation that lasted between Sunday and Monday morning.”

A government source said the victims apparently fled after their captors scampered for safety in the wake of the determined efforts to dislodge the criminals.

“Many of their abductors died in the encounter with the security forces, while others fled to safety. While a lot may need to be done, the Sunday night operation has posted appreciable success in the government’s efforts to rout out the criminals,” he said.

“Community leaders in Babanla have reported seeing many kidnap victims who escaped from Babasango in the aftermath of the operation.”

He said the security crackdowns are steadily being done until the “cowards are totally chased out of the state”.