Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Edo State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been abducted.The event allegedly occurred on Friday, March 15, 2024, just after Aziegbemi had a meeting with Governor Godwin Obaseki in Benin City.However, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, released a formal statement on Saturday in which the Edo State Government confirmed the incident.
SP Chidi Nwabuzor, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the authenticity of the kidnapping.Nevertheless, he stated that the matter was within the jurisdiction of the New Etete Police Division.
Nwabuzor affirmed: “It has been verified.” The case is within the jurisdiction of the New Etete Police Division, often referred to as Godwin Abbe Police Station, where the incident took place.According to reports, the Edo PDP chairman was abducted while leaving a meeting at the Government House and heading home in his car.
The incident occurred in the presence of his driver, who was trying to navigate a speed breaker.The driver who recounted the incident of his boss being abducted stated: “Upon departing from the Government House en route to our residence around 11 p.m. I observed a vehicle tailing us, prompting me to opt for an alternative route.” We were unaware of their identity as kidnappers.
According to reports, the assailants left Aziegbemi’s vehicle on Sapele Road and forcibly transported him in their own vehicles. The event occurred a month after the party’s gubernatorial primary, where Asue Ighodalo emerged as the PDP candidate for the upcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election.
By Nnaemeka Odenigbo
