Company CEO killed, security expert shot in failed kidnap bid

Sunnewsonline

October 20, 2013 • By Our Reporter
FROM TONY OSAUZO,
BENIN

A kidnap operation by unknown gunmen has ended in tragedy in Edo State, with the abductors killing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Thomas White Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Obiyan in the process. Besides, Dr. Onah Ekhomu, a private security expert who was travelling along with Obiyan in his car was shot in the hand by the gunmen.


It was learnt that the duo along with Dr Ekhomu’s wife and other aides in another car, were travelling home to attend this year’s annual Esan Professionals Conference when they were accosted by the gunmen between Ehor and Iruekpen along the Benin-Auchi Road last Friday morning, hours before the State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole signed the recently passed Anti-kidnap Law, which prescribed death penalty for kidnap offence. The gunmen who reportedly wore police bullet proof vests and jeans trousers were said to have told the victims that they were from headquarters and that they were under arrest.
It was further gathered that Dr. Ekhomu on realising that they had been abducted, quickly engaged the gunmen who shot him in the hand before he escaped into the bush. Mr. Obiyan said was said to have been shot severally by the gunmen before his body was abandoned. The body has since been deposited at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, where Dr. Ekhomu was also rushed to for treatment. Meanwhile, Dr. Ekhomu’s wife was said to have been rescued near Sapele by the Delta State security outfit, JTF.



Following the failed but tragic kidnap attempt, several concerned Edo citizens who spoke on condition of anonymity yesterday called for total war to be declared on kidnappers in Edo State with military personnel deployed to provide security on the Benin-Auchi Road. Renowned Lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome(SAN) and several notable Nigerians had been abducted at the spot between Ehor and Iruekpen.