Gunmen have abducted a staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, along the Owo-Benin Highway in Ondo State.
The victim, Seun Emmanuel who is a driver and Andrew Okojie, Product Manager, Postpaid for BEDC, Ondo Region, were attacked by the armed men while traveling from Ifon, the headquarters of the Ose Local Government Area in the state, to Akure on official assignment.
It was gathered that the duo ran into the gunmen who barricaded the road just before Elegbeka town along the Owo-Ifon Road and shot at their BEDC-branded Hilux van.
One of the vehicle tyres was hit by a bullet, the driver lost control, and the vehicle swerved into the nearby bush.
The manager was said to have become unconscious and the kidnappers left him, believing he had died but abducted the driver. It was also learnt that the boss was rescued from the scene after the hoodlums had left.
A family source, which craved anonymity said the kidnappers, who initially demanded N100 million for Emmanuel’s release, reduced the ransom to N10 million, after a series of pleas, with a threat to kill him if they refused to pay.
The family also said the management of BEDC was exhibiting a carefree attitude towards the release of their son.
The Police Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami, revealed that the anti-kidnapping unit of the state command had taken over the case and would ensure the victim regains his freedom.
She appealed to members of the public with any relevant information that could lead to the rescue of the victim not to hesitate to notify the police.
