The Permanent Secretary of Osun State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Adebimpe Ogunlumade has been abducted by gunmen while returning to Osogbo from Abuja.
Ogunlumade was kidnapped along with her driver, Mr. Oladapo Arogundade Ajani and a Director from the ministry, Mr. Tajudeen Badejoko who accompanied her to Abuja for the official assignment.
The Permanent Secretary and other officials were abducted at gunpoint on Friday at Obajana along Lokoja-Okene road in Kogi state, Daily Trust learnt.
The state Auditor General who also travelled with the officials was said to have escaped the abduction by a whisker.
In a statement by the Osun State Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Olayinka Owoeye in Osogbo, the state capital, confirmed the abduction.
The Director of Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon also confirmed the development.
"The officials were returning from Abuja where they attended the briefing on the State and Local Government Reforms Project; a World Bank and European Union Programme,” the head of service statement read in part.
He said the state government has alerted all necessary security agencies nationwide and Kogi State Police Command in particular towards the safe release of the three abducted officials.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Osun State Police Command, DSP Folasade Odoro said the command was working with the Kogi State Police Command to ensured that the abducted officials were rescued.