Four suspected kidnappers were feared killed in an exchange of gunfire with soldiers on Owo-Ifon Expressway, Ondo State on Friday.
The soldiers were said to be on patrol on the expressway when they ran into a barricade mounted by the suspected kidnappers as they tried to abduct some travellers.
It was gathered that the hoodlums opened fire on the soldiers as soon as they sighted them while the soldiers promptly responded, killing four of the hoodlums.
About four of the soldiers were also said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The soldiers who were injured from the exchange of gunfire that was said to have lasted about one hour were immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo while the kidnappers left their victims and ran into the bush.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, Mr Tee-Leo Ikoro, said some policemen from the command were already in the forest searching for the bandits.
“Our men have combed the forest while investigation has begun into the incident. About four soldiers were wounded in the attack,” Ikoro said.