Unknown gunmen have kidnapped Alhaji Bdul-Hamid, Egele, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
He is alleged to have been kidnapped at his residence in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
The gunmen during the attack killed his driver, while his security aide was injured in the incident.
An eyewitness said that “The gunmen ambushed the IPMAN chairman with two vehicles without plate number and fired at his jeep and killed his driver.
“The IPMAN chairman was later taken away after the security attached to him were overpowered by the gunmen who injured the security operatives,’’
A human rights lawyer, Abdul Mahmud, who is an in-law of the victim disclosed that the gunmen who abducted Baba-Saliu on Monday night are yet to contact the family.
The incident, it was gathered, happened on Monday night.
He said, “Last night at about 6.45 pm, my brother in law, Abdulhamid Baba-Saliu, Chairman, IPMAN, Edo State and Chairman, Jattu Union, was violently accosted by armed men at the gates of his country home in Jattu, Etsako West LGA, Edo State.
“He lives between Benin, Abuja and Jattu where runs his chain of petrol stations, Baba Petroleum. He was at home over the week for the third-day prayer for his uncle who died last week.
“One of his drivers was instantly shot and killed; and the other driver, including his personal security details, was grievously injured in the attack. My brother-in-law was taken away by the kidnappers. No contact, or random demand, has been made as yet.
“These are difficult and trying times for us. While we continue to pray for his safe return, I appeal to his abductors and keepers to release him unharmed to his family and community, Jattu, Uzairue, that he has given much love as a father and respected community leader.”
The incident was confirmed by the spokesperson of the state police command, Bello Kontongs
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