Gunmen have kidnapped the Chairman of Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tony Aziegbemi.
He was said to have been abducted on Friday, March 15.
The police authorities and state government confirmed the kidnap on Saturday, March 16.
Aziegbemi was said to have left a meeting at the Government House and was going home in his vehicle when he was kidnapped in the presence of his driver, who was attempting to climb a speed breaker.
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“That is confirmed, it is in the jurisdiction of New Etete Police Division, also known as Godwin Abbe Police Station, that is where it happened,” the state Police Command spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor was quoted to have said.
“The Commissioner of Police has given marching orders to the tactical teams of the operatives to go after the hoodlums and we pray that by the grace of God all hands are on deck and we will be able to rescue him unhurt,” Nwabuzor said
Also, confirming the incident, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, issued a statement, saying the state government is making frantic efforts to secure the release of the PDP chairman.
He said the government is working closely with security agencies on the issue, describing the kidnap as an unfortunate incident.
“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 urged them to call the State emergency numbers 112 or 739 to report all suspicious persons or activities within their environs.
Nurudeen Akewushola is an investigative reporter and fact-checker with The ICIR. He believes courageous in-depth investigative reporting is the key to social justice, accountability and good governance in society. You can reach him via nyahaya@icirnigeria.org and @NurudeenAkewus1 on Twitter.