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By Abdullahi Ahmed
Several kidnap victims have escaped from their captors following a major security operation against criminal hideouts in Babasango forest, Babanla community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.
According to security operatives and community leaders, dozens of abductees fled the forest after their captors were dislodged during the raid that lasted between Sunday night and Monday morning.
Many of the freed victims were reported to have made their way to Babanla and Shagbe communities.
“The security operation has really been a modest success, in spite of the ambush laid for the government forces. Not only were several of the criminals eliminated, but dozens of their victims also fled the area,” a source familiar with the operation said.
The source added that a forest guard earlier feared dead in the clash had safely returned home.
A government official, confirming the operation, disclosed that many abductors were killed, while others fled into the bush.
“While more still needs to be done, the Sunday night operation has recorded appreciable success in the government’s efforts to rout out the criminals,” he said.
Community leaders in Babanla also confirmed sighting several of the kidnap victims who managed to escape in the aftermath of the raid.
The official assured that the government and security agencies will sustain the crackdowns until, in his words, “the cowards are totally chased out of the state.”
