BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Police in Benin have revealed how hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers dramatically abducted the Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi in Benin City, the state capital, last Friday.
According to police statement, the PDP Chairman who had earlier attended a meeting at the State Government House was returning to his house about midnight when the hoodlums numbering six accosted him and his driver close to his house.
The police stated further that Dr. Aziegbemi jumped out of his ash color Toyota Prado jeep and ran for the safety of his dear life while his driver laid down on the ground.
“But the hoodlums chased Dr Tony Aziegbemi and threatened to shoot him if he refused to stop, so he stopped and they ceased him, threw inside his Toyota Prado Jeep and took him away to unknown destination”, the police said.
The Edo State Police Command disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Benin, today by its Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor.
“Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it’s not unaware of the kidnap of Dr Tony Aziegbemi the state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) on Friday 15/03/2024 at about 2345hrs. The information of his kidnap was received from his driver one Joseph Impete, who reported the incident at the New Etete Division, Benin City.
“The driver who is an eye witness to the horrible incident, reported that on 15/03/2024 the victim of kidnap Dr Tony Aziegbemi attended a meeting at the Edo State Government House, Benin City and on their way returning back home from the meeting, close to his house six (6) armed men on convoy of two white colour Toyota Corolla saloon car registration number unknown accosted them along Bishop, Dr J.O.E. Edokpolor Boulevard Junction, Off Country Home, Benin City.
“Immediately Dr Tony Aziegbemi jumped out of his Ash colour Toyota Prado Jeep for the safety of his dear life, while he the driver also ran out of the vehicle and laid down on the ground, but the hoodlums chased Dr Tony Aziegbemi and threatened to shoot him if he refused to stop, so he stopped and they ceased him, threw inside hisToyota Prado Jeep and took him away to unknown destination”, the police statement revealed.
The statement however added that Commissioner of Police in Edo State Command, CP Funsho Adegboye on receipt of the report with a shock immediately gave a marching order to tactical team leaders to conduct a rescue party in collaboration with the Vigilantes group and the Hunters to rescue him unhurt.
“He, however, solicits for the cooperation of the law-abiding citizens of Edo State and urged them to give information to the Police that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and the rescue of the victim unhurt”, it concluded.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has said that it is on top of the unfortunate kidnapping of Dr. Tony Aziegbemi.
In a statement in Benin by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, the government said is working closely with security agencies to ensure his safe release and reunite with his family.
“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.
“We encourage residents 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”.
The statement added that the State Government is committed to protecting the lives and property of Edo residents and will spare no resources in ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
