A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Benedict Akika, was reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday night at his residence in Olorunda, located in the Lagelu Local Government Area of the state.
According to sources close to the family, armed gunmen stormed Akika’s home, threatening to shoot anyone who resisted their demands. A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Akika was relaxing with his family when the assailants arrived.
“There was sporadic gunfire, likely intended to scare off residents and passersby,” the source said. “He was taken away by the gunmen to an unknown location.”
The abduction comes just weeks after Akika, a well-known figure in the community, had provided work tools worth millions of naira to widows and the less privileged at his residence in a bid to empower them.
As of the time of this report, efforts to reach the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, for confirmation and further details were unsuccessful. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
