A gang of suspected kidnappers have reportedly taken hostage, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Irrua specialist teaching hospital in Edo central senatorial district, Prof. Sylvanus Akhalufo Okogbenin.
The gang were said to have shot at two police orderly of the CMD and thereafter whisked the latter to an unknown destination.
Blueprint gathered that the incident occured at a time Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) were attending weekly security briefings at the state Police command headquarters in Benin City.
A female reportedly drove the five-man armed gang to the scene of crime which lasted for about six minutes.
An eye witness who didn’t want his name on print disclosed that the incident occured at about 10.30am on Monday at Ramat park, near Benin City, Edo State capital.
The CMD, a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist was apparently heading to Irrua when the hoodlum struck.
The gunmen were said to have opened fire on the victim’s Lexus 470 bullet-proof sport utility vehicle.
The hoodlums however, reportedly gained access to their target after they shattered the vehicle’s windscreen and forced the doors open from inside.
“The gunmen immediately opened fire on the policemen before whisking the man (CMD) away.
The state Police spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwanbuzor confirmed the incident, but cautioned against casualty figure.
According to him, “the incident happened but we are still investigating. We are yet to determine the identity of the victim. We don’t know how many people were killed. We are on the trail of the kidnappers.”
“The command is on top of the situation and is determined to arrest the culprits and free the victim,” Nwanbuzor said.
