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 following a fierce shootout with members of the police monitoring team. The suspects engaged the police in a gun battle that lasted for several minutes in the Imalefalafia area of the city, near the Tribune House. One of the suspected armed robbers was killed on the spot, while the other was critically injured and subsequently apprehended.

The incident began earlier at Anfaani, where the robbers reportedly waylaid a Muslim cleric, popularly known as Alfa, who was carrying motorcycle parts packed inside a sack, which they may have mistaken for cash. After shooting the cleric, the gang proceeded to Imalefalafia. Eyewitnesses reported that the robbers 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 the cleric, stated that residents alerted the police at Iyaganku, who then trailed the robbers to Imalefalafia. Based on gathered information, policemen were deployed to the area and laid an ambush around the Tribune House, where the robbers were suspected to be preparing for another operation. Upon sighting the police, one of the robbers drew his pistol and opened fire, injuring one of the officers. The police returned fire, and with the collaborative efforts of bystanders, managed to apprehend the gang.

During the confrontation, one of the robbers, who was carrying a backpack containing a pistol, cartridges, charms, and bracelets, sustained bullet wounds and died immediately. His accomplice, identified as the 'Okada' pilot rider, was caught alive after significant efforts, despite being critically injured. Another eyewitness, Mr. Olusesi Olusola, confirmed he was among those who rushed the injured policeman to a nearby clinic, noting the intense struggle before the deceased robber was overpowered.

Upon searching the dead robber, live ammunition, charms, and large sums of cash, among other items, were recovered. The police confirmed that this gang had been on their trail for some time, reportedly responsible for numerous criminal activities, including armed robbery, in the area and adjoining communities. A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed the shootout in Imalefalafia, stating that the critically injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital. Police officers are monitoring his recovery, hoping to obtain vital information for their investigation. This successful operation is expected to curtail the gang's raids in the region. The gang was also identified as serial robbers targeting bank customers in Ibadan, causing widespread panic and apprehension in areas like Oke-Ado.