BENIN CITY – A young man, Kelly Osazee Edoba, and his fiancée, Marcela Laureano De Souza(a Brazilian), narrowly escaped an attempted kidnapping by unknown gunmen on December 14, 2018. The couple was returning from a burial ceremony when they were ambushed by the attackers. Their vehicle was trailed after an attempt to overtake their vehicle previously failed
The first attack on his life which occurred just two weeks prior, according to a family source, was initially dismissed by Kelly as a case of mistaken identity or a random act.
However, following this latest attack, it is believed that he is being deliberately targeted. “We thought the first attack on him was a mistake,” Julius Idehen Edoba, a relative of Kelly said, “but now, we realize people are after his life.”
Shaken by the repeated threats, Julius said his brother has to sought the protection of the police and local vigilantes, but he remains fearful for his safety. “My brother is scared for his life,” he confessed. “His safety is no longer guaranteed, and have been forced to flee.”
Authorities are investigating the incidents, but as of now, no arrests have been made. The situation has left Kelly and his fiancée traumatized, and residents in the area are increasingly concerned about their own safety.
With the escalating insecurity, this incident serves as a reminder of the growing threat of kidnapping in the region. Both the police and community leaders are urging citizens to remain vigilant as investigations continue.
