Gunmen shoot OSOPADEC Chairman’s driver in Akure

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Panic gripped residents of Akure on Thursday evening when gunmen launched an attack on the driver of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) Chairman, Samuel Bernard.

The victim, who had returned from an official trip to the riverine communities with the chairman, was ambushed shortly after dropping off the commission’s vehicle and switching to his personal car.

Confirming the incident, OSOPADEC’s Information Officer, Godwin Ewata, said Bernard ran into the attackers on his way home.

Ewata explained that the robbers shot Bernard and inflicted a machete wound on his head before carting away his vehicle.

“They also took the keys to the chairman’s car, which Bernard had kept beside him, along with some important documents.

“Fortunately, the vehicle was fitted with a tracking device. Alerted by Bernard’s cries, community members mobilised quickly, pursued the attackers, and recovered the stolen car along with the keys and documents.

“Bernard was rushed to a hospital, where he underwent an X-ray and received treatment.”

Ewata disclosed that Bernard is now stable and recuperating after medical attention.