Swiss, driver abducted in Ogun

Unknown gunmen on Saturday, August 7, 2021, killed one person in an attempt to abduct a Swiss, Andred Beita, along the Ibese-Itori Road in Ogun State.

According to reports, the kidnappers, after exchanging gunfire with the police escort attached to a farm in the area, succeeded in capturing the Swiss and his driver.

Sources reveal that the security personnel attached to the Chairman of Olabel Farms, Ola Bello, led by one Inspector Hassan Kumode, ran into an ambush while escorting the Swiss from Ilaro.

“On sighting the policemen attached to the man, the gunmen opened fire on them, and in the ensuing shootout, a Swiss attached to the farm, Andred Beita, and his driver, Ifeanyi, were abducted by the kidnappers.

“Two staff members of the company, Ishaya Ibrahim and Michael Kujore, sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to hospitals.”

The source added that Kujore was rushed to the State Hospital, Sagamu, where he was pronounced dead as a result of the gunshot injuries he suffered.

Ibrahim was taken to the Hosanna Hospital, Ilaro, where he was said to be responding to treatment as of press time. It was gathered that no policeman was injured in the incident and there was no loss of firearms.

The incident, it was gathered, was reported at the Itori and Ilaro police stations. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident.

He said the command was on the trail of the kidnappers to ensure that the victims were rescued unhurt.

“I am aware of the incident. The victims went to their farm around Ibese and on their way back, gunmen attacked them.

“But the policemen, who were with them, displayed rare bravery. They killed two of the kidnappers and recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with nine pieces of ammunition from them.

“But in the process, two of the people were injured and were taken to hospitals.

“One died because he was taken to about four hospitals and was rejected because of lack of bed space; he was taken to the FMC and while receiving treatment, he unfortunately died.

“The kidnappers went away with a Swiss national and one other person. The policemen did not want to increase the collateral damage, because if they had continued to engage the hoodlums, they might have lost the victims. So, we are still on their trail and making efforts to ensure that those people are rescued unhurt,” Oyeyemi said.