A former member of the Edo State House of Representatives, Festus Edughele, has been kidnapped by suspected gunmen in Ubeaja, Edo State.
The victim was said to be returning from Orhionmwon to Benin when the incident occurred.
This comes three days after 32 train passengers were kidnapped in the state.
Edughele was said to have been traveling to Benin to board a plane for Abuja when he was kidnapped by the gunmen, who took him into the jungle.
A former speaker of the state House of Assembly, Festus Ebea, confirmed the incident.
Ebea said: “He was kidnapped this morning (Monday) in Ubeaja when he was on his way from Orhionmwon to Benin. He intended to take the train to Ubeaja but he was unable to do so as train services have been suspended.
“The family is aware of his kidnapping; The police in that area have been informed and we hope that steps will be taken to rescue him.”
In a related development, the President of the Igueben Area Customary Court, Ms. Precious Aigbonoga, was abducted in Ugoneki on Monday while on her way to the Edo State Igueben Local Government Area court.
Nigerian Bar Association Publicity Secretary Festus Usiobaifo said the NBA was working with the state police command to ensure he was released.
The statement read in part: “Her Honor is the wife of our colleague, Mr. Afebu Aigbonoga, PDP candidate, Etsako West Constituency 1.
“The President of the Lion Bar, Nosa Chief Francis Edo-Osagie, is deeply saddened by this news and condemns, in strong terms, the disturbing callousness of these bandits in kidnapping Ms. Precious Aigbonoga, a calm, gentle and courteous officer. worker. .”
13 arrested for kidnapping the Benue commissioner
Meanwhile, Benue State Police have arrested 13 people suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of State Housing/Urban Development Commissioner Ekpe Ogbu and others in the Benue South senatorial district.
No fewer than five people were kidnapped in the Senate district in December, including a Catholic priest, the commissioner, his driver, his aide and one other person.
State police public relations officer Catherine Anene said state police commissioner Wale Abass ordered the deployment of tactical teams to the southern part of the state over the incident.
“A certain Mohammed Usman Omachoko, who specializes in preparing protection amulets for kidnappers; David Ejembi, Aondongu Akighir, also known as Too Proud, and Teryima Peter, were arrested on their way to buy weapons for the group.
“Additional investigation led to the arrest of nine other gang members; Two locally made Baretta pistols loaded with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from them. The suspects confessed to the crime,” the statement added.
