The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three individuals in connection with the alleged abduction of a Chinese national, identified as Williams Zang. The vehicle used in the operation has also been recovered as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident, which took place at Cherish Guest House on the outskirts of Ilorin, the state capital.
The abduction was reportedly executed by six gunmen. DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed that the incident occurred on Sunday night at about 2200Hrs. He said, “Our attention was drawn to an unfortunate incident that occurred at Cherish Guest House, an isolated facility situated on the outskirts of Ilorin. A group of armed men, numbering six arrived at the guest house premises."
The gunmen reportedly fired several shots into the air, causing panic among nearby residents. The police patrol team responded promptly to the scene, only to find the guest house securely locked. However, 30 minutes later, the manager of the guest house, Mr. Idume David Joseph, reported at Eiyenkorin police station. He disclosed that six armed men had forcibly entered the guest house and abducted Williams Zang.
Zang, a former employee of Erkang Quarry, had been lodging at the guest house for over two months prior to the incident. The assailants used the manager’s vehicle, a black Toyota Venza with registration number Lagos FST 701 HG, to transport the victim.
Subsequently, the police's tactical teams combed the entire area and its neighbourhoods, leading to the recovery of the aforementioned vehicle along the Ilorin/Ogbomosho road at about 0030Hrs. It is suspected that the perpetrators employed a standby motorcycle to transport the victim further into the bush from the main road. At present, three suspects have been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, assured citizens of the state that the Command’s primary focus remains the safe rescue of the victim and apprehending the assailants. He stated that local vigilantes are working in synergy with the Command’s Tactical Teams to ensure the safety and security of the state.