Amisdt the partial lockdown imposed by Edo state government due to outbreak of coronavirus, Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted the state commissioner for Science and Technology, Barr. Emmanuel Abale.
The commissioner was reportedly abducted on Friday along the Benin-Auchi expressway while heading to Ekpoma, Esan West local government area of the state.
The gunmen reportedly killed the commissioner’s police orderly during the incident before whisking Agbale away to an unknown destination.
The commissioner’s family sources said the abductors were yet to make contacts at the time of filing this report on Saturday.
Edo state Police commissioner, Lawan Jimeta, who confirmed the incident, said, “the operatives of the command have been combing the bush in search of the commissioner.”
Jemita assured that the police would do everything possible to ensure that he is released unhurt
In a related development, a former deputy governor of the state, Dr Pius Odubu, has condemned the rising wave of criminal activities in various parts of the state.
Odubu who is also a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said, “No efforts should be spared in getting the commissioner released from captivity as the people of the state are now in perpetual fear in the midst of insecurity.”
He said the state must not pay lip service to security because according to him, the primary purpose of government was the security of lives and property.
“I also stand to condemn the incessant killings of farmers and other persons and the rising wave of kidnapping in our dear state. Only last week, some criminal elements were reported to have murdered some farmers in Odighi community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state.
“At a time the people of the state were groaning under the heavy yoke of coronavirus pandemic with the attendant of dislocation of social and economic activities Edo people are facing multiple jeopardy,” he stated.
Odubu also condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.
Odubu who was the director of logistics, 2019 Presidential Campaign Council said Kyari’s death was loss to the nation, “especially at this trying time of human existence.”
