‘Abductors of Edo PDP Chairman Yet to Make Contact’

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

The kidnappers of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, are yet to contact any member of his family or political associates almost two days after he was kidnapped by gunmen close of his house.

As at press time, a family friend said: “As of now, no one has been contacted, and I just spoke to my boss who I know will also have needed information, and said they have not been contacted. The family members are as worried as every one of us because they did not also go with his phone, it is with his driver.”

Also when contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, said there is no development yet after the police deployed its tactical team to go into the matter.

Azeigbemi was kidnapped around 11 p.m. last Friday close to his house around the Country Home Area of Benin-city after a late meeting in the Government House.

Meanwhile, condemnations have continued to trail the kidnap with the state government saying it was on top of the issue and was “working closely with security agencies to ensure his safe release and return to his family.”

A statement issued by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said: “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 government reassures the state that it 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.”

Meanwhile, the PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has condemned the incident, describing it as shocking.

In a statement issued yesterday, Ighodalo said: “The news of the kidnapping of the Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, on Friday night, was extremely shocking and distressing.

“I strongly condemn this dastardly act, and my heart goes out to the Aziegbemi family at this very trying time. I join the family in offering fervent prayers for his safe return.

“I also urge the security agencies to continue to spare no effort in investigating the matter and working assiduously for our dear party chairman’s safe release.”

Labour Party (LP) on its part, described the kidnap as worrisome.

A statement issued by the state Publicity Secretary of the LP, Sam Uroupa, attributed the ugly development to lack of a good security network in the state.

The statement said: “In spite of the acclaimed security network and alleged empowerment of vigilante boys only used for thuggery and intimidation of voters during election, lives and property in the state are not safe. That the state chairman of the ruling party in the state is kidnapped in such manner is an attestation that Edo State is seriously lacking in the area of security.

The party, therefore, reassured the people of Edo State that if the party is voted into power, the issue of security in the state will be vehemently tackled and kidnapping and other social vices will be things of the past.