Gunmen abduct Lebanese, injure Police in Edo

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

A Lebanese expatriate working with Setraco Construction company was at the weekend abducted by three gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West local government area of Edo state.

The incident was said to have occurred at about 8:00 am on Friday at the Edo State and World Bankisponsored Auchi gully erosion control project site where the expatriate was working.

It was gathered that the gunmen who dressed in black attires, shot severally in the air before whisking their victim away in their waiting vehicle.

One of the Mobile Policemen attached to protect the Lebanese reportedly sustained gunshot injury during the shooting spree.

The abductors were said to have escaped with their victim through Auchi- Warrake- Afuze road

Military personnel were said to have been immediately drafted for a rescue mission. They reportedly invaded the nearby forest in search of the abductors and the victim.

Following the incident, the staff of the construction company were said to have suspended construction work at the gully erosion control site.

As at the time of filing report, Edo State Police Command spokesman, Stephen Onwochei, said he was yet to be briefed of the incident by the police in Auchi.