From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, has been abducted by a gang of armed men few metres to his Government Reservation Area residence in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
He was said to have been trailed by his abductors in two Toyota Corolla cars; they overtook his Special Utility Vehicle (SUV) at a speed breaker along Osaro Street, off Country Home Road, close to his house at about 11pm on Friday.
The PDP chairman, who has no police protection, was said to have left after a night meeting in Government House, unknown to him that he was being trailed by his abductors.
Aziegbemi driver narrated how his boss was adduced thus: “When we left Government House heading home at about 11pm, I noticed a car trailing us so I decided to take another diversion. We never knew they were kidnappers.
“Few minutes later, the same car appeared behind us at a speed breaker point and blocked our car in the front and immediately the gunmen pointed guns at us and ordered our chairman to enter their car and took him away.”
The gunmen were said to have abandoned Aziegbemi’s car along Sapele Road and took him away in their own car.
At the time of filing this report some top government officials and security agencies were sighted at the spot Aziegbemi was kidnapped.
Confirming the incident, spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said the incidence falls under the New Etete Police Division.
“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 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; we will be able to rescue him unhurt,” he said.