…banker kidnapped in Benue
…kidnappers demand N20 million ransom for Presenter
Correspondents
ARMED bandits attacked four communities of Kuriga, Komo, Danhonu II and Doka Mai Jama’a in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Monday.
The gunmen, in different attacks, abducted 15 persons including a village head, while a security guard, Emmanuel Yerima, was killed.
The Kuriga and Komo communities attacks occurred during the early hours of Monday between 4:00am and 5:00am while the Danhonu II and Doka Mai Jama’a, attack happened at about 10:00pm.
Premium reports learnt that the gunmen initially attacked Manini Village in Kuriga District of Chikun council, breaking into shops and carting away foodstuff and other valuables.
They later moved into a nearby Komo community in the same local government and kidnapped one person.
“Later at about 10:00pm, gunmen reportedly invaded Danhonu II and Doka Mai- Jama’a, all in Millennium City, also in the same Chikun Local Government.
“At Danhonu II, a banker and his 11 year daughter were abducted while a security guard, was killed by the gunmen.
“At Doka Jama’a, a few kilometres away from Danhono, a Village Head was kidnapped,” the source said.
The source who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, added, “gunmen in large numbers invaded Manini village in Kuriga district between 4:00am and 5:00am on Monday.
Police spokesman Mohammed Jalige said he was yet to be briefed on the incidents.
Meanwhile in Abia State Kidnappers on Monday night abducted a female on-air presenter, Chinenye Iwuoha, working with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Pacesetter FM, Umuahia, the State capital.
According to eye witness reports the incident took place close to Amakanma Housing Estate in Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state at about 7:00p.m. when she was returning home after the close of the day’s work.
Some eyewitnesses said the gunmen operating in a motorcycle and Toyota Sienna space bus had trailed the Hilux van in which the victim and the station’s General Manager, Uche Ndukwu, were heading home with after her shift. Before her abduction, the hoodlums reportedly shot the company’s driver, one Kingsley Onyeokuche, before speeding off with their captive, perhaps to stop him from giving a hot chase after them.
According to a source, “when the gunmen double-crossed the Hilux van, they inquired yelling who is the GM? Before they shot the driver in the stomach and whisked Iwuoha away in their SUV.”
The gunmen, it was gathered, also carted valuables belonging to the GM and those of other workers including laptops. The driver is reported to be in critical condition after he was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery to remove the bullet that was lodged in his stomach.
Furthermore, it was gathered that the kidnappers have made contact with the station and demanded N20 million ransom for the lady. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Janet Agbede, told newsmen in a telephone interview that the police were yet to receive any official report of the abduction.
Similarly , unknown gunmen have abducted a banker, Mr. Ochogga Agbese in Agila, Ado local government area of Benue State. It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 7:00p.m. while the victim was in his house. The victim is an employee of a new generation bank in Niger State and was said to be back home in Ado due to the lock down before his abduction.
The acting chairman of Ado local government area, Abel Onazi, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said kidnappings in the area have being on the increase.
As at press time yesterday, the gunmen were yet to established contact with the family of the victim. Also, the police spokesperson in the state, Kate Sewuese Anene, said she was yet to get the report.