How Gunmen Trails Us, Abduct My Boss – Driver
…As EDSG steps up surveillance, collaborates with security agencies for safe release Dr. Aziegbemi – Nehikhare
… Edo APC demands immediate release of kidnapped PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi
By Simeon OSAJIE
Joseph Impete, Driver of the kidnapped Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi has narrated how his boss was kidnapped along Idaro Street, Off Country Home Road, Benin City, Edo State capital.
Recalled The9JaTREND earlier reported that Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of Edo State PDP was kidnapped yesterday evening (15th March, 2024) while returning home from a meeting with the governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
According to the Impete, “When we left the Government House heading home at about 11.00pm, I noticed a car trailing us so I decided to take another diversion. We never knew they were kidnappers.
“A few minutes later, the same cars appeared behind us at a speed breaker and blocked our car in the front and also behind as they prevented us from going back. Immediately the gunmen pointed guns at us and ordered my boss to enter their car and took him away, while also driving his jeep with him.”
The gunmen were said to have abandoned Aziegbemi’s car along Sapele Road and took him away in their own cars.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government is on top of the issue of the unfortunate kidnapping of the Chairman of the State’s Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi.
According to a press statement issued by Hon. Chris Nehikhare, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation said, Edo State Government is working closely with security agencies to ensure his safe release and return to his family.
“We have also increased surveillance and beefed-up security measures across the State to ensure that these criminal activities are quelled and culprits are brought to justice.
“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.
“The Government reassures that it is committed to protecting the lives and property of Edo residents and will spare no resources in ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
In a related development, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the kidnapped of the state chairman of PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi and demanded his immediate release.
In a statement signed by Jarrett Tenebe. Acting State Chairman, said Edo APC received the news with shock and attributed the ugly development to lack of strong and well-oiled security architecture in the state.
According to Tenebe, “This kidnap is one too many in the State which signpost’s an overt reminder and wakeup call on Governor Obaseki led administration in the state that all is not well, in terms of securing the State which is the primary responsibility of government.
“That chairman of the party of a sitting governor can be kidnapped, is a testament of the very porous, ill equipped, ill motivated security machinery in the state inspite of the humongous security vote been collected by governor Obaseki on a monthly basis.
“The APC, Edo State chapter uses this medium to demand of the abductors, the immediate and unconditional release of the PDP chairman, while we call on the security agencies in the state to leave no stone unturned in the quest to ensuring his release unhurt.”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has confirmed the kidnap of Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi.
According to Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP CHIDI NWABUZOR, “The information of the kidnapped Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi was received from his driver one Joseph Impete, who reported the incident at the New Etete Division, Benin City.
“The driver who is an eye witness to the horrible incident, reported that on 15/03/2024 the victim of kidnap Dr. Tony Aziegbemi attended a meeting at the Edo State Government House, Benin City and on their way returning back home from the meeting, close to his house six (6) armed men on convoy of two white colour Toyota Corolla saloon car registration number unknown accosted them along Bishop, Dr J.O. E. Edokpolor Boulevard Junction, Off Country Home, Benin City and immediately 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.
“The Commissioner of Police Edo State Command, CP Funsho Adegboye, who received the report of the incident with a shock immediately 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. He, however, solicit 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 and the rescue of the victim unhurt.”
