The Edo State Government has condemned in strong terms the abduction of 90-year-old Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen by unknown gunmen, describing the act as “morally reprehensible” and a slap on the state’s security gains, Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com) can confirm.
In a press release issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the government strongly warned against attempts to politicize the incident.
Pa Iduoriyekemwen, a father and grandfather, was reportedly whisked away by armed men in an incident whose details remain sketchy as at press time.
Don’t Politicize Crime – Edo Govt Warns
Reacting to insinuations in some quarters that the abduction could be politically motivated, the state government said such hasty accusations are unfortunate and aimed at scoring cheap political points.
“The hasty manner to quickly accuse government of orchestrating this dastardly act or linking every incident to politics is most unfortunate. A government that has continued to place emphasis on security should be appreciated and commended,” Prince Afegbua stated.
“What could possibly be the motivation for anyone to abduct such a father and grandfather?” he queried.
Okpebholo Orders 24-Hour Rescue Operation
According to the statement, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has invested heavily in the state’s security infrastructure, has directed all security agencies in the state to work in synergy and secure the safe release of the nonagenarian within the next 24 hours.
The Governor noted that alertness across the state and the Benin City metropolis has been topnotch in recent months, making the abduction a disturbing and unexpected setback.
“As a government, we remain undaunted in our resolve to provide water-tight security across the state,” the statement reads.
After Death Sentence For 4 Kidnappers Last Week, Govt Vows No Let Up
The government recalled that just last week, the Special Court set up to prosecute kidnapping cases sentenced four kidnappers to death for murder and kidnapping, a judgment that was expected to serve as deterrence.
“This latest abduction is a huge slap in the face, and the Governor has vowed to fish out the perpetrators soonest. Governor Okpebholo’s approach to combating insecurity is unequivocal. He will go the whole length to make Edo state safe for all irrespective of political persuasion and affiliation,” Afegbua said.
The state government has therefore appealed to members of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits and the safe return of Pa Joseph to his family to contact security agencies.
The Governor reiterated his commitment to rescue the 90-year-old and safely reunite him with his family within the 24-hour window.
