Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted Kabiru Onyene, a former aide to the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
The incident occurred on Monday evening at around 7:05 pm, when a group of armed men stormed his office in Okene, Kogi State, firing sporadically before forcefully abducting him.
At the time of the abduction, Onyene was at his popular restaurant, “Nahaziyat,” located near the palace of the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Ado Ibrahim.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing what they initially thought were fireworks, only to realize moments later that it was gunfire.
People quickly fled the area to avoid being caught in the crossfire, and it was soon reported that Onyene had been taken by the gunmen.
During the attack, an unidentified person was shot, but their current condition remains unknown.
A local witness, who identified himself as Ozovehe, described the confusion in the area, noting that the incident took place just 200 meters from a military roadblock near the ex-governor’s residence.
“It baffled most of us that they took him away from such a heavily patrolled area,” he said.
Onyene’s abduction has since become a topic of discussion in Okene, with many wondering about the motives behind the kidnapping.
A relative took to social media, urging prayers for Onyene’s safe return, and asking for divine protection for his well-being.
“We seek your prayers for his safe return. May Allah protect him and guide the authorities to bring him back to us,” the post read.
As at the time of this report, Onyene’s kidnappers have not contacted his family, leaving them anxious about his fate.
The state police spokesperson, SP Williams Aya, acknowledged the report but said he had not yet been briefed about the incident.
He promised to provide more information later, but had not responded by the time this report was filed.
