Oil dealer kidnapped in Ekiti

The Ekiti police command has confirmed the abduction of Suleiman Akinbami, a popular oil dealer in the state.

According to NAN, Akinbami was said to have been abducted on Sunday night by gunmen at one of his filling stations in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Some witnesses reportedly said he was suddenly approached by four gunmen and ordered into a Jeep parked close by, after which he was driven to an unknown location.

The gunmen were said to have not fired shots into the air, apparently because of the location’s proximity to the Odo Ado divisional police headquarters.

The police confirmed the businessman’s abduction on Monday, and said a search had been launched in collaboration with other security operatives to rescue Akinbami and apprehend his abductors.

Sunday Abutu, the police spokesman, described the incident as unfortunate, adding that Mariam, the businessman’s wife, had reported the kidnap on Sunday night.

According to him, upon learning of the incident, the police deployed a special team assisted by Amotekun operatives, local hunters and vigilantes to rescue the victim.

“Upon receipt of the information, the DPO led his team to the scene to find clues that could aid the prompt arrest of the suspects and rescue of the victim,” he said.

“The commissioner of police, Mr Tunde Mobayo, has called for calm and assured the people of the state that the police would do its best to ensure the rescue of the victim and the arrest of the abductors.

“The commissioner also advises everyone to be wary of strange and suspicious faces around their domains.”

Abutu appealed to anyone with useful information concerning the incident to please contact the nearest police station.