A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Benedict Akika, was reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday night at his residence in Olorunda, located in the Lagelu Local Government Area of the state.
According to The Punch, heavily armed gunmen stormed Akika’s home, threatening to shoot anyone who attempted to resist.
The assailants arrived while Akika was relaxing with his family, catching everyone off guard.
A family source, speaking anonymously, said, “There was a sporadic gunshot which was aimed at scaring the residents and passersby. He was later whisked away on Wednesday night to an unknown destination.”
Another source added, “He was kidnapped last night. And this is a man that empowered some widows and the less privileged with work tools worth millions of naira at his Olorunda residence a few weeks ago.”
Efforts to reach the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, for confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party Chairman for Igumale Ward 1 in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Sunday Oche, was killed in an ambush by suspected herdsmen.
The tragic incident occurred as he was returning from his farm alongside five others, who narrowly escaped with serious injuries.
According to reports, a close friend of the deceased, who requested anonymity, said the attack took place on Monday when the group was on their way back from a farm in Igumale.
The assailants, believed to be herdsmen, ambushed the group at around 4:30 pm.