Gunmen Kidnap Enyimba’s Dayo Ojo, Abia Warriors’ Ben Iluyomade
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Reigning Nigeria’s premier league champions, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba have confirmed the kidnapping of their player and Nigerian international, Dayo Ojo, by some unidentified gunmen
Reports said Ojo was abducted while returning home from the Peoples Elephants’ camp following suspension of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) over coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic outbreak.
A press statement by the Aba-based club said Ojo was picked up by the gunmen in company of his friend and Abia Warriors’ player, Benjamin Iluyomade.
It stated that the incident took place on Sunday, March 22, 2020 along Benin-Owo expressway as the trio of Ojo, Iluyomade and Emmanuel James headed for Akure due to the NPFL’s forced suspension over coronavirus’ fears.
The statement further explained that while James narrowly escaped the attack, the duo of Ojo and Iluyomade were unfortunately taken away by their abductors.
Confirming the ugly incident, the statement said; “Enyimba Football Club can announce that midfielder Ekundayo Ojo has been abducted by gunmen along the Benin-Owo expressway.”
The Aba Elephants’ management while hinting on efforts at ensuring the player’s freedom, said; “Enyimba FC have since maintained close contact with Ojo’s family, as efforts are already in place to ensure the player’s release from his abductors.
“At this time, and considering the sensitivity of the incident, Enyimba Football Club wishes to call on members of the media to refrain from reports or speculation capable of jeopardising the players’ safety.”
The statement further said; “Ojo’s family also wishes to appeal for privacy while enjoining the general public to pray for the safety and freedom of the player.”
Ojo, who has been capped seven times for the Super Eagles, was part of the national team that placed second at the 2018 African Nations Championship, known as the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN 2018).
Nigeria lost 0-4 to hosts Morocco in the finals which was the 5th edition of the biennial football fiesta organized by Confederation of African Football (CAF) exclusively for players plying their trade in the respective domestic national championships.
Ojo signed on for Enyimba after spending about a decade at his boyhood club, Sunshine Stars of Akure
