Gunmen reportedly kidnap ‘Ade Bendel’ in Ogun

Panic has gripped Ilara town in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State late Wednesday night after gunmen stormed the community, killed two individuals, and abducted a well-known businessman Alumile Adedeji (also known as Ade Bendel)

A youth leader in the community said that the attackers reportedly struck around 11 p.m., unleashing a wave of gunfire as they trailed the businessman to his hotel.

According to residents, the gunmen began shooting indiscriminately upon arrival, causing chaos throughout the area.

He said: “Some gunmen kidnapped Ade Bendel yesterday night at about 11 p.m. They trailed him to his hotel.”

Oba Mutiu Adedimeji, the town’s monarch, confirmed the incident and revealed that two lives were lost during the assault. He explained that the assailants escaped with their captive through a bush path into neighboring Benin Republic. The businessman’s vehicle was later found abandoned in Sabe, just across the border, further suggesting the route of escape.

A youth leader from the community, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, detailed how the gunmen launched their attack directly at the businessman’s hotel. In the ensuing violence, a female hotel staff member and another individual were killed by stray bullets. Several other people were injured while attempting to flee, including two women who reportedly fell into a ditch in the confusion.

Local sources described a community still reeling from the shock of the invasion, with fear and uncertainty now hanging over Ilara town. While the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, acknowledged awareness of the incident, she stated that full details were still being gathered as investigations continue. A police officer in the area also confirmed the attack but refrained from disclosing casualty figures.