BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has condemned the abduction of 90-year-old Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen by unknown gunmen, describing the incident as reprehensible and an affront to the peace and security of the state.
The government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said it was particularly disturbed that an elderly father and grandfather had become the target of such a crime.
It urged members of the public to avoid politicising the incident or making unsubstantiated allegations of government involvement, saying such claims could distract security agencies from efforts to secure the victim’s safe release.
According to the statement, Governor Monday Okpebholo has directed all relevant security agencies to intensify operations, work in synergy and deploy every lawful resource to rescue Pa Joseph and reunite him with his family within the next 24 hours.
The government said the governor had remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state and had invested significantly in strengthening Edo’s security architecture.
It described the abduction as a direct challenge to the collective resolve of the government and people of Edo, particularly coming shortly after four kidnappers were convicted by the Special Court established to prosecute kidnapping cases and sentenced to death for offences involving murder and abduction.
The government said the recent convictions were expected to serve as a deterrent to criminal elements, stressing that the latest incident would not intimidate or discourage the administration.
It further assured that the perpetrators would be hunted down, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The statement quoted Governor Okpebholo as insisting that Edo must not become a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening the lives and livelihoods of residents.
It said the administration would continue to strengthen security coordination and take necessary lawful measures to dismantle criminal networks and enable residents to live, work and move freely without fear.
The government also appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist in locating Pa Joseph or identifying his abductors to immediately provide such information to the appropriate security authorities.
It assured the victim’s family and residents of the state that every available resource was being mobilised towards securing his safe rescue and bringing those responsible to justice.
