By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kog state Police Command, has confirmed the abduction of Chief Samuel Ajayi Bello while working on his farm at Ponyan in Yagba East Local Government Area of the State.
SP William Aya, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) who confirmed this to newsmen on Monday in Lokoja said that the incident happened at about 10am on Monday.
He said that the victim was working on his farm at Ponyan Agricultural foundation, kilometer 2, Ponyan-Irele road when he was abducted.
According to Aya, the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye has drafted a tactical command to the area with a view to rescuing the victim and bringing the hoodlums to book.
Aya said that one of the hunters who sustained gunshot injuries during exchange of gunfire with the kidnappers was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
He added that information from the hospital revealed that he is responding well to treatment.
Responding to the enquiry on the incident, the PPRO said, “Yes, it is confirmed, a farmer Chief Samuel Ajayi Bello was abducted earlier this morning but the CP has drafted the tactical command to the area.
“One of the hunters that sustained gunshot wound is receiving treatment and he is responding well to treatment.”
In a statement, the National President, Ponyan Development Association, Hon. Banjo Fabola also confirmed that Chief Samuel Ajayi was kidnapped between 9 and 10am on Monday, June 16.
According to Fabola, the bandits fired some shots before forcefully taking Chief Samuel Ajayi adding that Security operatives, local hunters and vigilante groups were mobilised to comb the surrounding forests with a view to rescuing him.
He explained that it was one of the hunters drafted to go after the kidnappers that sustained injuries from gunshots during exchange of fire between hunters and the kidnappers during the chase.
“They were closing in on the kidnappers and there was an exchange of gun fire hitting one of the Hunters on their trail. Please, we covet every possible assistance to secure his release”, Fabola implored.
