An elderly man from the Komu community in Oyo State has urged authorities to release a group of hunters who were arrested while purportedly attempting to aid in a rescue mission following a recent kidnapping in the area.

According to him, when some locals were kidnapped, local hunters and vigilantes mobilised and pursued the kidnappers into the jungle in an attempt to save the victims.

He claimed that throughout the mission, the hunters got anxious about running out of ammo after exchanging gunfire with the kidnappers. As a result, one of them apparently returned to a network-connected region to notify the community and request more ammunition.

The individual stated that some hunters were then dispatched on motorbikes to give the ammunition to those involved in the rescue mission. They were allegedly stopped and apprehended by police officers along the road.

According to him, while the rescue mission was underway, the hunters were successful in recovering the kidnapped victims and returning to the hamlet, where residents cheered their arrival.

He stated that it was only after that they uncovered missed calls involving the arrested hunters. When community members returned the calls, they learned that the guys had been imprisoned and then taken to Ibadan.

The elderly guy encouraged police and government authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry.

He stated that if the arrested individuals are proven to be innocent and sincerely supporting the rescue attempt, they should be released.

He believes that punishing people who respond to emergencies may dissuade others from assisting their communities during future security challenges.