The Kogi state Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Chief Samuel Ajayi Bello while working on his farm at Ponyan Agricultural foundation located at KM 2, Ponyan-Irele road, Ponyan Yagba East Local Government Area.
The Command’s spokesperson,SP William Aya who confirmed this to our Correspondent on Monday said that the incident happened around 10 am on Monday.
Aya said that the Commissioner of police CP Miller Dantawaye has drafted the tactical command to the area with a view to rescue the victim and bring the perpetrators to book.
He said that the hunter that was sustained injury during exchange of gunfire with the kidnappers have been taken to the undisclosed hospital for medical attention and that he is responding to treatment.
“Yes,it is confirmed,a farmer Chief Samuel Ajayi Bello was abducted earlier this morning but the CP has drafted the tactical command to the area while one if the hunters that sustained gunshot wound is receiving treatment and he is responding well to treatment.” he said.
Earlier, the The National President,Ponyan Development Association,Hon.Banjo Fabola in a statement also confirmed that Chief Samuel Ajayi was kidnapped between 9 and 10 am on Monday,June 16.
“Reports have it that Chief Samuel Ajayi Bello was kidnapped by bandits at his farm, Ponyan Agricultural Foundation, Km 2, Ponyan-Irele Road, Ponyan, Yagba East Local Government Area, Kogi State, around 10.00 am this Monday morning (June 16, 2025).
According to him “shots were fired before he was taken adding that Security operatives, local hunters and vigilante groups have been mobilised to comb the surrounding forests.
Meanwhile one of the hunters drafted to go after the kidnappers have sustained injury from gun shot wounds during exchange of fire with the kidnappers and the hunters.
“Right now, they have closed in on the kidnappers and there was an exchange of gun fire hitting one of the Hunters in their trail. Please, we covet every possible assistance to secure his release.” Fabola added.
