Suspected kidnappers have abducted a well-known businessman, Chief Adepegba Bankole, popularly called Ade Bendel, in Ilara town, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, leaving two people dead during the violent operation.
The assailants invaded the community around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, and opened fire indiscriminately.
Speaking with Punch on Thursday, the town’s traditional ruler, Oba Mutiu Adedimeji, confirmed the incident and revealed that two individuals were killed during the attack.
He further disclosed that the kidnappers fled into the Republic of Benin, abandoning the victim’s vehicle along the way.
“Yes, it happened. They kidnapped Ade Bendel last night and killed two people in the process. His car was later found at Sabe in Benin Republic, suggesting that was the route they used to escape,” the monarch said.
A local youth leader, who spoke under the condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, explained that the attackers had trailed the businessman to his hotel before unleashing gunfire. According to him, two individuals, including a female hotel staff member, were fatally hit by stray bullets.
“Gunmen kidnapped Ade Bendel around 11 p.m. They followed him to his hotel and started shooting. Sadly, two people were killed, including one of his hotel workers,” he stated.
Another resident, identified only as Ade, recounted that the sound of gunshots caused chaos in the community, with some residents injured while trying to flee.
“There was panic everywhere. People were running for safety. Two women fell into a ditch while escaping and got injured,” he said.
