By Gabriel Enogholase
BENIN — A Benin-based major dealer of motorcycles, Mr. Nnaelue Rufus, who was last Tuesday kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Benin, Edo State has been found dead, just as two mobile policemen were reportedly killed during an encounter with armed robbers along Benin-Lagos expressway  at Okada Junction.

The body of the late motorcycle dealer, according to Police sources, was discovered behind Guinness Nigeria Plc, located along Benin- Agbor Road, Ikpoba Hill, Benin.

He was said to have been kidnapped last Tuesday in front of his business premises, along Forestry Road by Nevis Street, Benin by five men shortly after he alighted from his SUV car amidst sporadic shootings, which reportedly scared away people from the vicinity.

The kidnappers, who were said to have contacted Mr. Rufus’ family allegedly demanded N250 million as ransom, which was later negotiated down to N120 million before they could release him.

The victim’s family, according to sources, after rallying round, were said to have contacted the kidnappers, who directed them to deposited the money at a particular spot, but the family members were said to have requested that they be allowed to speak with Rufus to assure them that he was alive.

It was learnt that at this stage, his abductors told the family to deposit the money as they had directed.
However, the body of Rufus was said to have been discovered Saturday night but it could not be ascertained at press time whether the family eventually deposited the ransom before his body was discovered.

Robbers kill 2 policemen

In the other incident,  two mobile policemen were said to have been shot dead during encounter with robbers. The two mobile policemen, whose bodies have been deposited in the mortuary were said to have their skulls ripped open by bullets, and were part of mobile policemen visiting from Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Police react

But in swift reaction, Edo State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Peter Ogboi, denied the death of any policeman during police encounter with  robbers.

He explained that on the contrary, the police shot and killed one armed robber who was taken away by his colleagues, adding that one policeman sustained a minor injury and was treated and discharged.