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Unknown gunmen have invaded a mining site at Okepa/Itikan Village, Osun State, and kidnapped two Chinese expatriates.
It was gathered that the incident happened on Monday around 4pm in Ifewara, Atakunmosa West Local Government Area.
The gunmen also shot two private security guards before taking away the Chinese expatriates to an unknown location.
The spokesperson for Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Opalola,the gunmen invaded the gold site in numbers and engaged local guards in a gun duel for almost an hour before they subduing the guards.
“Two Chinese Nationals, messrs Zhao Jian, 33, and Wen ‘m’ 50, were kidnapped at Okepa/Itikan Village, gold mining site in Ifewara, Osun on 5th April, 2021 around 4:00pm, by a gang of criminals. Two private guards attached to the site were shot and have been taken to the general hospital for treatment.
“Sequel to this report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode immediately drafted a strong, combined reinforcement of Police Tactical units, JTF, and other security outfits who have embarked on search/rescue operation for the two abducted Chinese persons and possible arrest of all the fleeing criminals.
“The Commissioner of Police also enjoined members of the public to collaborate with the Police in fighting crime to bring it down to the barest minimum, by providing us with creditable and prompt information as that can lead to the rescue the abductees unhurt,” the statement said.