Joseph Impete, the driver of kidnapped Edo State chairman of Peoples Democratic party, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi has relieved his encounter with gun-totting kidnappers who attempted to shoot his boss for attempting to escape an ambush by gunmen number six.
This is contained in a information he gave at the New Etete Police Division, following Aziegbemi’s Abduction on Friday March 15, 2024 at about 2345hrs contrary to previous Media reports that he was abducted on Saturday morning.
In a statement issued by the spokesman of the Nigeria police, Edo State Command, SP. Nwabuzor said Impete told the police that Aziegbemi was whisked away while they were returning back home from the meeting at the Edo State Government House, Benin City.
He told the police that six (6) armed men on convoy of two white colour Toyota Corolla saloon car registration number unknown, accosted them on Bishop, Dr J.O.E. Edokpolor Boulevard Junction, off Country Home residence in Benin City.
The driver who claimed to be a witness, told the police that the hoodlums chased Aziegbemi who jumped out of his Ash colour Spot Utility Vehicle, SUV for the safety of his dear life upon sensing danger.
The statement said Impete said the kidnappers threatened to shoot the PDP chairman if he refused to stop, so he stopped and they immediately ceased him into their operational vehicles and left him where he laid down on the ground after bumping out of the SUV, while his kidnappers took him away to unknown destination.
According to the statement, “Dr Tony Aziegbemi jumped out of his Ash colour Toyota Prado Jeep for the safety of his dear life, while he the driver also ran out of the vehicle and laid down on the ground.
“But the hoodlums chased Dr Tony Aziegbemi and threatened to shoot him if he refused to stop, so he stopped and they ceased him, threw inside his Toyota Prado Jeep and took him away to unknown destination”.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police Edo State Command, CP Funsho Adegboye, gave a marching order to the tactical team leaders to conduct a rescue party In collaboration with the Vigilantes group and the Hunters to rescue him unhurt.
The CP who received the report of the incident with a shock, however, solicits for the cooperation of the law-abiding citizens of Edo State and urged them to give information to the Police may that lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the Edo State government said it has stepped up surveillance in collaboration with security agencies for safe release Aziegbemi.
Mr Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation on Saturday in a statement where he assured of the Government commitment in protecting lives and Edo residents.
The statement said the Government is working closely with security agencies to ensure Aziegbemi’s safe release and return to his family.
Nehikhare said, “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”.
TheNewspad reports that Aziegbemi family, party faithful, supporters, his friends-and-well wishers and social Media users have sent prayers to Aziegbemi.
Leave a Reply