By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Benin City – Police in Benin said they have rescued the Enogie (Duke) of Ukhiri in Ikpoba-Okha local government of Edo state, Barrister Godwin Aigbe, reportedly kidnapped at his palace last Saturday.
The Spokesman for police in Edo, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor stated this when Alltimepost reporter visited his office at the state police command headquarters in Benin City, today Thursday, March 21, 2019.
“The Enogie of Ukhiri was rescued by our operatives on Wednesday night at Upper Sakponba area of Benin City,” he stated.
DSP Nwabuzor further said that no arrest or recovery of arms and ammunition was made during the rescue operation as the abductors took to flight abandoning their victim when they sighted policemen.
He also said that the police command was unaware of payment of any ransom.
Though the traditional ruler could not be immediately reached but a dependable source said he was sighted in Benin City this afternoon.
Recall that the traditional ruler HRH Barrister Godwin Aigbe was reportedly kidnap at his palace along Abraka Road near Benin City on Saturday, March 16, 2019.
About five armed men were said to have shot sporadically into the air as they stormed the palace, entered his bedroom and whisked him away.
The Enogie is a retired Chief Superintendent of Police and one of the patrons of Edo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
Speaking on kidnap last weekend, the Commissioner of Police in Edo, CP Dan Malam Mohammed said some suspects had been arrested and they were helping the police in their investigation.
CP Dan Malam explained that the Enogie had a running battle with some of his subjects who he earlier reported to the police.
“Those we arrested said it is not kidnapping, that they took him to make peace with others, and that they are making contact with those that carried him to release him,” CP Dan Malam stated.
He further stated that some of the Enogie’s subjects had earlier attempted to burn down his palace.
“He reported to us, but if he had told us that he was going there we would have given him security”. CP Dan Malam stated.
