Tension gripped the agrarian community of Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Council of Ondo State after heavily armed gunmen abducted a woman and shot a businessman during an attack on Sunday.
The victim, identified as Tomilola Oladehinde, was reportedly abducted around 8:00 p.m. by six gunmen at the entrance of her home on Liberty Avenue in the community.
Findings showed that the assailants had trailed a businessman, John Ofuduwa, to Ilu-Abo before abducting the woman as part of their escape plan. Ofuduwa, who sells iron rods in the neighbouring Oba-Ile community, was shot in the head while attempting to enter his compound.
During the attack, two other persons, including a woman identified as Victoria and her 11-year-old daughter, who were passing through the area, were also hit by bullets fired by the gunmen.
Community sources said the attackers were not kidnappers but were allegedly hired to assassinate the businessman, adding that the other victims, particularly the abducted woman, were caught in the crossfire.
One of the sources, who craved anonymity, said: “John was the one that the gunmen traced to Ilu-Abo. He was about to enter his gate when we suddenly heard multiple gunshots. At that point, we had to run for our dear lives.
“It was when they left that we realised that John was shot in the head with blood gushing out. A woman that was also trying to drive inside her compound was kidnapped. Another woman and her daughter were also shot. We believed that the woman was kidnapped in order to aid their escape from the community. But they are yet to contact anyone as regards her whereabouts since Sunday night. John was rushed to FMC in Owo, but he was referred to Ado-Ekiti. We are praying that he will make it.”
The incident sparked protests in the community, with residents barricading the busy Akure–Owo highway to express anger over rising insecurity.
The demonstration caused hours-long gridlock as motorists were forced to take alternative routes to reach their destinations. Armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as “We Seek Governor’s Intervention” and “We Say No To Banditry”, the protesters called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, who visited the scene, assured residents that intensive efforts were ongoing, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army,the Department of State Services and other security agencies, as well as relevant non-state actors, to secure the safe rescue of the abducted woman and arrest those responsible for the attack.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Kelechi Amadi-Obi - Transcending the worlds of Law, Visual Art and Photography". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
Download E-MagazineDo you want to be heard, your events covered, your articles published, or need to advertise your products and services on our Blog and Magazine, reach out to us at Newswire Law and Events, you will be glad you did. For more details about our services, please call: 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk
