A tragedy struck Edo State as gunmen suspected of being kidnappers abducted Tony Aziegbemi, the chairman of the Edo State People Democratic Party. The incident occurred late at night along Idaro Street, off Country Home Road in Benin, Edo State.
According to reports, Aziegbemi was kidnapped around 11 pm on Friday, shortly after leaving a meeting at the Government House. He was on his way home in his vehicle when the kidnappers struck, right in front of his driver, who was attempting to navigate a speed breaker.
The driver, who witnessed the horrifying abduction, shared his account of the incident. He explained, “When we left the government house heading home at about 11 pm, I noticed a car trailing us, so I decided to take another route. Little did we know they were kidnappers. A few minutes later, the same cars appeared behind us at a speed breaker and blocked our car from the front and back. The gunmen then pointed their weapons at us, ordered our chairman to enter their car, and drove away with him, leaving us behind.”
After seizing Aziegbemi, the kidnappers abandoned his car along Sapele Road and escaped in their own vehicles. As news of the abduction spread, several government officials and security agencies were seen at the location where the incident took place.
Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, stated that the case fell under the jurisdiction of the New Etete Police Division, also known as Godwin Abbe Police Station. Nwabuzor assured the public that the Commissioner of Police has given orders to the tactical teams to apprehend the gunmen and rescue Aziegbemi safely.
This unfortunate incident occurred less than a month after the PDP conducted its governorship primary, which resulted in the selection of Mr. Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate for the upcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election.
As the search and rescue operation intensifies, the entire community is hoping and praying for the safe return of Tony Aziegbemi. The authorities are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the state.
