Outrage over fatal kidnap of traditional ruler in Edo

…police tactical teams hunt assailants

 

Public outrage erupted over the weekend, following the abduction of the Onojie of Udo-Eguare Kingdom in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, HRH Friday Ehizojie by gunmen.

He was taken hostage on Sunday evening along with some personal aides around rest House Junction Between Ubiaja- Udo Eguare by gunmen who fired sporadic gunshots and thereafter dragged into a forest after shooting a motorcycle rider dead.

One of the hostages who escaped from the kidnappers den, told Onojie’s kinsmen what transpired when he eventually arrived home.

Spokesman for the Nigeria Police Command in Edo State, CSP Moses Yamu confirmed the kidnap of the 21-year-old traditional ruler on Monday in a statement.

He revealed that the traditional ruler was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle on a lonely path leading to the Community where they were ambushed by unknown persons.

CSP explained that in the process the Okada rider was shot dead before the Onogie was abducted by suspected assailants.

Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, ordered the immediate deployment of the Command’s tactical teams to the area.

The teams include the Police Mobile Force to that area to ensure the rescue of the victims and arrest of the culprits, CSP Yamu said.

The Area Commander, according CP Otimenyin, is personally Commanding the operation as directed by the police Commissioner.

TheNewspad reports that Governor Monday Okpebholo has duly been briefed on the security report in parts of Esanland that is fast turning into the epicenter of kidnappings and other violent crimes in the State.

In the meantime, Nigerians have sent prayers to the family of the deceased and quick release of the abducted traditional ruler.

Friday Onabulu, a Facebook user, wrote: “This is a desecration of our traditional values.This is bizarre,an affront and a taboo.This our traditional father must be rescued alive. May God protect him”.

Last week, local vigilante operatives arrested three suspected kidnappers in Uromi and rescued a Sexagenarian who was taken hostage by the armed men.

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