LAGOS – An Edo State born man, based in the United States of America (USA), Prince Dennis Abuda has been allegedly shot dead by suspected kidnappers while on his way to catch flight from Lagos to Atlanta, Georgia, where he resides.
The Edo State Police command in a swift response to the matter arrested three suspected members of the bandits while combing the incident area, while one of them was shot dead during a gun duel.
It was reliably gathered that Abuda was abducted on Saturday along the Benin bypass by unknown gunmen alongside other members of his family who were travelling with him to catch a flight to America.
The victim was reported to have left Fugar, in Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State in the early hours of Saturday in a Toyota Sienna with registration number, LAGOS, SMK 606 GQ, when he and family members were ambushed by the gunmen.
Source narrated that, Abuda was reportedly shot by the gunmen after he slumped while being forced to march into the forest alongside other victims which include: David Oghieakhe, Richard Bologi, and a woman identified as Mrs Comfort.
The body of the late Abuda was, however discovered in the forest on Wednesday; while his three abducted relatives were released on Tuesday after an undisclosed ransom was paid to the abductors.
A member of the deceased family, David Agabi who is the National Secretary-General, Fugar Progressive Union, confirmed the sad incident, adding that other abductees have been released.
“We wish to announce the death of Prince Eloniyo Dennis Abuda in the custody of the abductors, who kidnapped him and others on Saturday 30th of January 2021. Others have been released safely. Further details will be released by the family or as they become available”, he stated.
“The kidnappers didn’t want to leave him behind as they were afraid that he would reveal their hideout to security agencies and so decided to shoot him. After killing him, they proceeded with the ransom negotiation and got the money. So sad. What a reason to kill a fellow human being,” he said.
Our correspondent gathered that the Edo State Police Command on Wednesday led by the Commissioner, Phillip Ogbadu, took time to visit the forest, which led to the arrest of three suspects, while one of them was shot dead during a gun duel.
The Command Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, also confirmed the development, stating that the operatives of the command were still in the forest searching for the other abductors.
He added “once we gather more information, we would let you know, but it will be premature to give out information because we are dealing with criminals’
