Chief Benedict Akika, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, has been kidnapped by suspected gunmen. The terrifying incident took place on Wednesday night at his residence in the Olorunda area of Lagelu Local Government.
According to sources, the assailants, heavily armed with firearms, stormed Chief Akika’s home and threatened to shoot anyone who attempted to resist. The family, caught off guard, was helpless as the gunmen forcibly took Akika to an unknown destination.
A family source, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the horrifying moments: “There were sporadic gunshots aimed at scaring residents and passersby. Chief Akika was relaxing with his family when the attackers struck. He was whisked away to an undisclosed location.”
This shocking abduction has left the community in fear, especially as Chief Akika had recently made headlines for his philanthropic gestures. Just weeks ago, he empowered widows and less privileged individuals by donating work tools worth millions of naira at his Olorunda residence, making this abduction even more tragic.
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The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, stated that an investigation has been launched to track down the kidnappers and ensure Chief Akika’s safe return.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and the motives remain unclear. The incident has thrown the political and local communities into uncertainty as they await updates on Akika’s condition.
This latest incident highlights the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the southern regions. With high-profile kidnappings on the rise, public figures and politicians have become frequent targets of armed groups, raising concerns about safety in the country.
Chief Benedict Akika’s abduction adds to the list of several recent high-profile kidnappings across the nation. Many citizens are now calling for urgent government action to address the security challenges plaguing the country.
