Nigerian Police Begin Search For Kidnapped Enyimba Player

Nigerian authorities have mounted a search and rescue operation for Enyimba International FC forward Dayo Ojo who was kidnapped by gunmen along Benin-Awo Expressway.

The 25-year-old was kidnapped alongside Abia Comets’ midfielder Benjamin Diomande and a friend identified as Emma James.

State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Tee-Leo Ikoro said the security forces are combing the vast Akure area in search of Ojo and his colleague, who were on their way to their base in Akure from Owerri.

However, the police spokesman ruled out the possibility of securing the freedom of the abducted by paying a ransom.

On Monday, police were conducting swoops in Akure in search of people believed to have aided the abduction of doctors.

“We are sweeping the town in door-to-door operations in search of suspects who might be connected to the kidnapping,” PPRO said.

According to witnesses, the gunmen came from the bush and started shooting sporadically before abducting some people in the vehicle including the two players.

The third player, Emmanuel James, managed to escape the attack that happened right in the middle of Akure region that has suffered attacks and kidnappings from unknown gangsters.

The gunmen then bundled the two players into their cars and sped off and police reports on Monday afternoon confirmed that they have maintained close contact with Ojo’s family.

So far, the police have not made any arrests but the other player’s mobile phone has been sent to investigators or data analysis so as to evaluate whether he was connected to the attack.

Ojo has been capped seven times for the Super Eagles and was part of the country’s national team who finished as runners-up at the 2018 African Nations Championship.