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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Three days later, the abductors of the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, are yet to contact any member of his family or political associates, raising apprehension about his safety.
Aziegbemi was reportedly seized by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, last Friday night, at about 11pm, in the County Home Area of Benin City, close to his house after attending a meeting at the Government House.
Yesterday, spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed that there was no development yet after the police deployed its tactical team to go after the abductors.
Similarly, a family friend of the Aziegbemis said: “As of now, there has not been any contact, and I just spoke to my boss, who I know will also have needed information, and he 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”.
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has described the kidnap as worrisome.
The party, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Sam Uroupa, attributed the ugly development to lack of a good security network in the state.
“In spite of the acclaimed security network and alleged empowerment of vigilance boys only used for thuggery and intimidation of voters during election, lives and properties 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 and government that ought to protect the lives and properties of her citizenry. It seems not doing enough to curtail criminal activities in the state.
“This kidnap is one kidnap too many in the state, which signposts an overt reminder and wake up call on Governor Obaseki’s led administration in the state, that all is not well in terms of securing the state, which is the primary responsibility of the government.
“The Labour Party, therefore, reassures the good 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”, the statement said.
On his part, the governorship candidate of the PDP in the September 2024 governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, yesterday, condemned the kidnap of Azeigbemi, describing it as shocking.
“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”, Ighodalo said in a statement.
The Edo State Government has, however, assured that it was on top of the issue and was working closely with security agencies, to ensure Aziegbemi’s safe release and return to 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 government reassures 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”, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said in a statement in Benin.
