A rescue operation in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State, ended in tragedy on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of an abducted victim, a vigilante officer, and one suspected kidnapper.

The incident began when armed men attacked the residence of Alhaji Dauda Ismaila, a prominent businessman and farmer in Okuta, around 10:00 p.m. Witnesses stated that the gunmen fired shots to disperse residents before abducting their target.

Local vigilantes reportedly pursued the kidnappers into the forest, sparking a gun battle that claimed the lives of the victim, a vigilante, and one attacker. The deceased's identities were not disclosed beyond their roles.

Baruten State Assembly man Muhammed Baba Saliu, representing Okuta constituency, declined to comment when contacted on Tuesday. He abruptly ended the call and did not respond to follow-up attempts.

The tragedy underscores growing risks of vigilante-led counter-attacks and the need for coordinated security responses to combat kidnapping syndicates in rural Kwara.

The police spokesperson in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, simply asked for the location of the incident and was yet to give any comment hours later.

However, the Seriki Fulani of Baruten, Ardo Muhammed Abdullahi, confirmed the deaths to Daily Trust.

He said the operation was by the combined team of the military and local vigilantes and promised to share further updates.

"The victim, a vigilante member and one of the kidnappers died during the rescue operation, which was supported by the military.

"The operatives are still inside the forest looking for them but we have heard nothing yet. I will inform you as soon as there is an update, hopefully a positive one," he added.