Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have killed a man and abducted a businesswoman in Ayede Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

 

The victim, identified as 34-year-old Okudili Okoro, was shot dead on Thursday night when the attackers stormed the community to seize Mrs. Orogun, a popular provisions store owner.

 

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. when about ten assailants arrived in two unregistered vehicles, shooting sporadically before abducting their target.

 

“It was a sad incident. They came in two vehicles to kidnap two women who sell provisions and cosmetics. Unfortunately, in the process, they shot Okoro dead and whisked away Mrs. Orogun,” a resident, who pleaded anonymity, told The Nation.

 

The gunmen reportedly escaped through the Akure/Owo road, bypassing military and other security checkpoints.

 

Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the killing and abduction. He said the attackers fled in a silver EOD car headed toward Akure and a grey Toyota Camry headed toward Owo.

 

According to him, the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, visited the crime scene on Friday and directed all tactical commanders to ensure Mrs. Orogun’s safe rescue and bring the perpetrators to justice.

 

“We urge the good people of Ondo State to cooperate with us. Anyone with relevant information should please come forward,” Ayanlade appealed.

 

This latest attack comes barely two weeks after Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), was kidnapped by a seven-man gang and released after his family paid a N5 million ransom.

 

Police later arrested the suspects, including a commercial motorcyclist, Benson Alaba, who allegedly facilitated the abduction. Others arrested are Wasiu Ogungbemi (42), Audu Shaibu (25), Ismaila Abdullahi (24), Nuru Bature (18), Usman Baba (20), and Yusuf Muhammed (23).