The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of the wife of Ubani Okuo, Chairman of the Youth Group in Igarra Community, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer stated that Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika has directed Divisional Police Officers in the area to collaborate in efforts to secure the victim’s release.
“We received a report of a suspected kidnapping. The Commissioner of Police has instructed Divisional Police Officers in the area to work together to ensure the safe recovery of the victim,” the PPRO said.
A source in the community, speaking on condition of anonymity, told PUNCH Metro that Okuo’s wife was abducted Tuesday night while returning home from her shop in town.
In response to the incident, the community has imposed a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., while night burial dances are now restricted to 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The paramount ruler of the Igarra/Akuku Clan, Oba Adeche Saiki, who confirmed the kidnapping, said the curfew was implemented jointly by the local government chairman, police, and traditional authorities.
Oba Saiki explained, “We suspect that these criminals now live among us and may mingle with residents before carrying out their acts at night. The curfew is a joint decision to ensure the safety of all citizens and will be enforced across the local government area.”
PUNCH Metro also reported that earlier this week, seven kidnapped residents of Imoga Community in Akoko-Edo were released after the payment of an undisclosed ransom.
Bode Ekundayo, coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, confirmed on Tuesday that the victims had been reunited with their families, stating: “The victims have now been released after the payment of a huge ransom.”
