PRESS RELEASE.
The reported abduction of 90 years old Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen by unknown gun men is morally reprehensible and should be condemned in its entirety. More worrisome is the dubious allegation by some persons that this could be a politically motivated kidnap or abduction, even when information about the act remains sketchy. 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, and not this culture of making political insinuations to score cheap political points. What could possibly be the motivation for anyone to abduct such a father and grandfather?
Governor Monday Okpebholo has invested heavily in our security infrastructure and the level of alertness across the state and Benin City metropolis has been topnotch. This present act of criminality presents a disturbing trend at a time we thought such act was no longer possible. As a government, we remain undaunted in our resolve to provide water tight security across the state. The Governor has immediately directed the security agencies to work in collaboration and synergy to seek the release of Pa Joseph within the next twenty-four hours.
Just last week, the Special Court we set up to prosecute kidnapping cases sentenced four kidnappers to death for their nefarious activities that involved murder and kidnap. We thought that pronouncement would serve as deterrence to those who are notorious for crimes and criminalities. 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.
Therefore, anyone who has useful information should please avail the security agencies such information in order to track and arrest the culprit(s) of this condemnable act. The Governor has called on the security agencies to rescue Pa Joseph and safely return him to rejoin his family within the next twenty-four hours.
PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA
HON. COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND STRATEGY.
EDO STATE.