Gunmen have reportedly abducted Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
It was gathered that the incident occurred shortly after Aziegbemi’s meeting with Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, in Benin City.
The Edo PDP chairman was said to be abducted around 11 pm on Friday in the presence of his driver who was attempting to climb a speed breaker.
The driver who narrated how his boss was kidnapped said, “When we left the Government House heading home at about 11 pm, I noticed a car trailing us so I decided to take another diversion. We never knew they were kidnappers.
“A few minutes later, the same cars appeared behind us at a speed breaker and blocked our car in the front and also behind as they prevented us from going back.
“Immediately the gunmen pointed guns at us and ordered our chairman to enter their car and took him away, while also driving his jeep with him.”
Although the Edo State Police Command has yet to officially comment on the matter, the Edo State Government has confirmed the abduction.
Hon. Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, assured that the government is actively working with security agencies to secure Aziegbemi’s safe release.
Nehikhare emphasized the government’s commitment to intensifying security measures across the state and urged residents to report any suspicious activities.
“The Government is working closely with security agencies to ensure his safe release and return to his family,” the statement read.
“We have also increased surveillance and beefed-up security measures across the State to ensure that these criminal activities are quelled and culprits are brought to justice.”
The commissioner called on residents of the state to go about “their lawful businesses without fear and urge them to call the State emergency numbers 112 or 739 to report all suspicious persons or activities within their environs.”
He also reassured them of the commitment of the Edo State Government to protecting the lives and property of residents, adding that no resources will be spared in “ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor, said that an official statement regarding the incident would be issued.
However, he did not provide immediate confirmation or denial of the abduction.
KanyiDaily had also reported how Gunmen suspected to be armed robbers attacked the Nasarawa State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning in Lafia and stole N100 million meant for payment of workers in the state.
