Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted the chairman of the Edo State People Democratic Party, Tony Aziegbemi, along Idaro Street, off Country Home Road, Benin, Edo State.
Aziegbemi was reportedly abducted around 11 pm on Friday while he was leaving a meeting at the Government House and heading home in his vehicle. The incident occurred in the presence of his driver, who recounted the harrowing experience.
According to the driver, they noticed a car trailing them as they left the Government House, prompting him to take a diversion. However, the same cars appeared behind them at a speed breaker, blocking their car in the front and rear. The gunmen then emerged, pointing guns at them and ordering Aziegbemi to enter their car. They subsequently drove away with him, leaving his vehicle abandoned along Sapele Road.
At the time of reporting, top government officials and security agencies were observed at the scene of the abduction. The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident, stating that the case was under the jurisdiction of the New Etete Police Division.
Nwabuzor assured that the Commissioner of Police had instructed tactical teams to pursue the gunmen and rescue Aziegbemi safely. The abduction comes less than a month after the Edo State PDP conducted its governorship primary, which saw Mr. Asue Ighodalo emerge as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election.
