Palpable fear has gripped the quiet agrarian communities of Igueben Local Government Area of Edo state as dare-devil kidnappers lay siege to the council as spate of kidnappings in the locality escalates.
As if the abduction of over 30 passengers who were hoping to board a Warri bound train in Igueben train station is not enough, the President of Igueben Area Customary Court, His Honour, Mrs Precious Aigbonoga, was also kidnapped Monday morning around Ugoneki axis, on her way to Court in Igueben L.G.A.
Before the news of her kidnap, a former lawmaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Festus Edughele, also kidnapped in Ubiaja on his way from Orhionmwon to Benin to board a plane to Abuja.
In a statement by the Publicity Secretary of Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Festus Osagie, Usiobaifo Esq, said Precious Aigbonoga is the wife of our Colleague, Mr. Afebu Aigbonoga, PDP Candidate, Etsako West Constituency 1.
“The chairman of the Lion Bar, Chief Nosa Francis Edo-Osagie is deeply sad by this news and condemns, in strong terms, the worrisome insensitivity of these bandits in kidnapping Mrs Precious Aigbonoga; an easy-going, gentle, and hardworking judicial officer.
The statement also added that the law body is in touch with the commissioner of Police, Mohammed Adamu Dankwara however prayed for the quick release of their colleague unhurt.
Efforts to ensure the safe release of the victims began as a combined team of security agents including the military, hunters, local vigilantes and the police had embarked on a search and rescue mission to free the kidnap victims.
Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki, has assured that all kidnapped victims will be released soon.
The governor’s assurance was conveyed through the commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, in Benin City on Sunday evening.
Nehikhare said,“Our governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, spoke with me this morning to share the latest information on the efforts being made by the military, police and personnel drawn from other security agencies, including the vigilante and hunters who know the bushes like their backyards to ensure the kidnapped passengers are released soon.”
“The governor has provided the needed logistics support of the various security agencies that are combing the bushes, small settlements, forests and everywhere around the place of the incident to smoke out the kidnappers.”
“Governor Obaseki has mandated his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, to coordinate the operation,” Nehikhare added.
The governor urged citizens to remain calm and pass on any useful information to his office or the security agencies.
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