A notorious two-man armed robbery gang, which had allegedly terrorized the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State, met its end on Wednesday during a dramatic confrontation with the police monitoring team. The suspects engaged police in a prolonged shootout near the Tribune House at Imalefalafia area of Ibadan, resulting in one robber being killed and the other critically injured and apprehended.

The incident began earlier at Anfaani, where the robbers had waylaid a Muslim cleric, popularly known as Alfa. The cleric was carrying motorcycle parts packed inside a sack, which the robbers reportedly mistook for cash. After shooting Alfa, the gang proceeded to Imalefalafia. Witnesses reported that they stopped at a vulcaniser stand under the pretense of inflating their tyres, while the second robber engaged a female POS operator in conversation.

Seye Adeniyi, an eyewitness who witnessed the shooting of Alfa, stated that residents alerted the police at Iyaganku, who then trailed the robbers to Imalefalafia. Based on gathered intelligence, policemen were drafted to the area and set up an ambush around the Tribune House, where the robbers were suspected to be preparing for another operation. Upon sighting the officers, one of the robbers drew his pistol and opened fire, injuring a policeman. The police returned fire, and with the collaborative efforts of bystanders, managed to apprehend the suspects.

During the intense exchange, one of the robbers, who was carrying a backpack containing a pistol, cartridges, charms, and bracelets, sustained fatal bullet wounds and died on the spot. His 'Okada' pilot rider, the second robber, was caught alive after significant effort and was critically injured. Upon searching the deceased robber, live ammunition, charms, and large sums of cash were also found. Mr. Olusesi Olusola, another eyewitness, confirmed rushing the injured policeman to a nearby clinic, noting the fierce resistance from the dead robber.

A senior police officer, who requested anonymity, confirmed the incident, stating that the notorious gang had engaged their men in a shootout at Imalefalafia. He added that the critically injured robber is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital. Police officers are monitoring his recovery, hoping to obtain necessary information to assist in their ongoing investigation. The police had been trailing this gang, reportedly responsible for various criminal activities, including armed robbery and serial attacks on bank customers, in the area and adjoining communities. Authorities express hope that this successful operation will curb future raids by criminal elements in the region.