Bukola The Oyo State Police Command has arrested
sixteen herdsmen, who allegedly kidnapped
officials of the West African Examinations Council
in Kishi area of the state.

Briefing newsmen at the Command headquarters
on Thursday, the State Commissioner of Police,
Abiodun Odude said the suspects were nabbed by
the police who worked with local vigilante in an
operation that lasted for 10 days.

The police boss disclosed that they were allegedly
recruited from Zamfara State by a kingpin who is
also from Zamfara. He is still being wanted by the
police after he escaped arrest.

Odude said the gang kidnapped many people and
killed some of them, with huge ransom collected
before they released some of their victims.

"A deadly dare devil murderous itinerant armed
robbery and kidnap gang had been terrorising the
peaceful town of Kishi , Igboho and Igbeti in Oyo
State, killing innocent victims after dispossessing
them of their valuables," he said.

"The hoodlums, numbering about 25 , who are
mainly herdsmen, were recruited by one Kire, a
notorious armed robbery kingpin from Zmfara
State. They hide their victims in their seemingly
impregnable fortress at the Old Oyo National Park
for some days before freeing them after collecting
huge ransom from their distraught and helpless
family members.

"Working with local vigilante in the area, the
police, after receiving a report about the gang's
activities , busted the gang and three suspected
members arrested.

"They are Mohammed Kote, 25 ; Mohammad Legi
, 26 and Kire Babuga, 20. They were arrested in
their criminal hideout along Kishi/Igboho road and
inside the Old Oyo National Park, Igbeti."

The police boss said the operation led to the
arrest of 16 members of the gang while more are
being hunted.