In what now seems to be the norm in Edo State, the traditional ruler Udo Community, Patrick Igbinidu, has been abducted by unknown men.
His abduction came only hours after human rights activist, MikeOzekhome, was released by his kidnappers nearly three weeks after he and his driver were whisked away.
The traditional ruler, who is the Iyasere of Udo and an in law to the Benin Monarch, Omo N’oba Erediauwa, was kidnapped at about 7pmby a four-man gang while playing draft with his friends close to his palace in the community and forcefully taken away to unknown destination in an Audi car.
Chairman of Ovia South-west local government area, MorrisonOgunrobo, confirmed the kidnap of the traditional ruler, adding that security operatives have been drafted to the area.
Udo, a small community in Ovia South-West local government area of Edo state, is a significant community in Benin Kingdom, where all crown princes to the Benin throne must perform certain rituals before being crowned as Oba of Benin.
Meanwhile, Ozekhome who was freed Thursday morning has asked the federal government to grant amnesty to kidnappers in the country.
Recounting his ordeal to newsmen at his Lagos residence, he described his abductors as “angry and desperate well-read graduates” who have a network of cells across the country.
He said during his interactions with them, they told him that they were pushed into kidnapping due to unemployment and poverty but that they were prepared to sheath their swords and embrace a deal with government if they were assured of their lives.
“As a matter of extreme urgency, I want the Federal Government to immediately grant amnesty to all kidnappers and institute an amnesty programme for all kidnappers,” Ozekhome said.
He also urged the government to declare a national state of emergency on youth unemployment and infrastructure decay, adding that the security situation in the country was a national calamity which demanded urgent attention.
