Tragedy struck Ilara town in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday night as unknown gunmen killed two persons and abducted a well-known businessman, Ade Bendel.
The attack, which occurred around 11:00 p.m., sent shockwaves through the quiet community as the assailants stormed the area and began firing sporadically.
Confirming the incident, the traditional ruler of Ilara, Oba Mutiu Adedimeji, told HBAgency that the abductors fled through a bush path into the Republic of Benin, abandoning the victim’s vehicle in Sabe.
“Yes, the incident happened. They abducted Ade Bendel and killed two people during the operation. His car was later found in Benin Republic,” the monarch confirmed.
A local youth leader, who requested anonymity, said the attackers had trailed the businessman to his hotel before opening fire, killing two persons — including a female staff member of the hotel — with stray bullets.
Another resident simply identified as Ade disclosed that several people were injured while attempting to escape, with two women reportedly sustaining injuries after falling into a ditch during the chaos.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said she was still gathering details as of the time of this report. However, a police officer in the area confirmed the incident but declined to provide casualty figures.
The community remains on edge as residents call for urgent security intervention and increased patrols along the porous Nigeria–Benin border corridor.
