Gunmen Abduct Prominent Businessman, Leave Two Dead in Midnight Raid

 

Ilara, a quiet town in Ogun State’s Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, was thrown into panic and mourning late Wednesday night as suspected kidnappers launched a brazen attack that left two dead and a popular businessman missing.

The target? Chief Adepegba Bankole, widely known as Ade Bendel, a respected entrepreneur in the region.

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants stormed the community around 11 p.m. on April 30, unleashing a hail of bullets that pierced the stillness of the night. Residents scrambled for safety as gunshots rang out, echoing through the once-quiet streets.

Speaking to The Punch, the town’s monarch, Oba Mutiu Adedimeji, confirmed the incident, describing it as a well-coordinated operation.

“Yes, the incident happened. They abducted Ade Bendel last night and killed two people in the process,” the king said.

“His abandoned vehicle was later found at Sabe in Benin Republic — showing the route the attackers used to escape.”

A youth leader in the town, who asked to remain anonymous, revealed that the gunmen had tracked their target to his hotel, where they opened fire without warning.

“They tailed him to the hotel and started shooting. Two people were struck by stray bullets one of them was a female staff member of the hotel,” the source disclosed.

The assault left guests and staff in disarray, with many injured while attempting to flee the hotel premises. Two young women were reportedly hurt after falling into a ditch while running from the sound of gunshots, according to another local, Mr. Ade, who described the chaotic scene.

Since the attack, Ilara has remained on edge, with residents shaken by the violence and the disappearance of one of their most prominent community members.

As of the time of reporting, police authorities have yet to release an official statement on the abduction or confirm any arrests. The cross-border escape into the Republic of Benin has further complicated the investigation.