Kidnappers abduct traditional ruler, others in Edo

Suspected kidnappers on Sunday abducted the Onogie of Udo-Eguare, a traditional ruler in the Igueben Local Government Area in Edo Central, Edo State.

This was contained in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu.

Yamu added that others whose number cannot be ascertained as of press time were also kidnapped.

He stated that the traditional ruler was ambushed while commuting with a motorcycle and the motorcyclist known as the Okada rider was killed in the process.

The statement read, “The command has received a report of the unfortunate kidnap of some persons, including the Onogie of Udo-Eguare, a 21-year-old man, late on Sunday night.

“He was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle along a lonely path leading to his community where they were ambushed by unknown persons. In the process, the Okada rider was shot dead before the Onogie was abducted.

“Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Betty Otimenyin, ordered the immediate deployment of the command’s tactical teams including the Police Mobile Force to that area to ensure the rescue of the victims and arrest of the culprits.

“The Area Commander is personally on ground commanding the operation as directed by the Commissioner of Police.”