Heavy gunshots as kidnappers abduct former governor’s aide
Story by Victor Itodo ABUH
Suspected kidnappers have abducted Kabiru Onyene, a former aide to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State.
Reports indicate that Onyene was forcefully taken around 7:05 p.m. on Monday in Okene when a group of heavily armed men stormed the location where he was, shooting sporadically and later whisking him away to an unknown location.
Onyene was said to be at his popular restaurant, “Nahaziyat,” located a short distance from the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Ado Ibrahim’s palace, when the incident happened.
The source revealed that an unidentified individual was reportedly shot during the attack though the victim’s condition remains uncertain.
“Around 7:05 pm on Monday, we started hearing loud sounds, which many of us took as knock-out sound from fun seekers heralding the yuletide period,” a witness named Ozovehe recounted.
“But when we saw several people running in different directions to avoid being caught up in stray bullets, it became clearer that it was a sound of gunshots, not a knock-out, as we thought initially. A few minutes later, news started making the rounds that the gunmen invaded Kabiru’s office; and they left with him.”
The abduction has caused widespread concern in Okene, with many baffled by the attack’s proximity to a military roadblock near the ex-governor’s house.
“Honourable Kabiru Onyene has been abducted from his office this evening. We urgently seek your prayers for his safe return,” a family member shared on social media.
Read also: Alleged Fraud: Court remands Yahaya Bello in Kuje Prison, adjourns case
Sources close to the family revealed that no contact has been made by the abductors, heightening fears over Onyene’s safety and the motive behind the kidnapping.
The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Williams Aya, acknowledged the incident but said he had not yet been briefed. “Noted Sir. I’m yet to be briefed about the incident. I will get back to you,” he told reporters.
As of the time of this report, further details from the police remain unavailable.
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