Armed kidnappers at the weekend killed four policemen who responded to a distress call about a siege to the Benin-Auchi-Abuja road in Edo State. Read more
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome who was one of the travellers trapped on the road during the operation was abducted along with his driver by the kidnappers. Read more
Their whereabouts remained unknown last night.
The policemen were killed during a gun duel with the hoodlums who blocked the road, the Edo State Police Commissioner Foluso Adebanjo, said yesterday.
Briefing newsmen on the incident, Mr. Adebanjo said: “Operatives of the command led by DPO Ehor division responded swiftly to a distress call at about 3:30pm that an unspecified number of armed men had blocked the Benin-Auchi Road by Ehor axis. However, the hoodlums ambushed the patrol vehicle and opened fire on them, prompting an exchange of fire.
“At the end of the gun duel, the hoodlums escaped with bullet wounds but not without their victim who was later identified upon search on his abandoned vehicle as Ozekhome and is driver. Regrettably, the command lost four officers in the encounter. We salute their rare courage and bravery for they fought and died as heroes for the course of humanity. Their death shall not be in vain. We remain undeterred in our fight against armed banditry.”
Also speaking on the issue on phone, the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said, “The IGP has directed the CP to commence immediate, vigorous manhunt for the hoodlums who must be arrested and brought to justice and the kidnapped victims rescued. We therefore once again call on the general public not to relent in their partnership with the police to fish out the criminals as common enemy to our society and report anyone found with the bullet wounds to the nearest police station.”
While the development is not surprising, as the Nigerian state has proven over and over again that it is incapable of guaranteeing the security of life and properties in the country, we can only appeal to the kidnappers in the circumstance, to release Chief Michael Ozekhome (SAN).
Femi Falana (SAN), while reacting to the kidnap, said, “One will, however, like to challenge the government to address the socio-economic implication of unemployment in the country. In particular, young boys and girls who have flooded the unemployment market should be given jobs or unemployment benefits, pending when they will be gainfully employed. The Nigerian ruling class have to appreciate the fact that the youths cannot be kept in unemployment and in abject poverty for too long while they live in opulence.”
He called for the release of the kidnapped lawyer.
Also, Lagos lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, called for the immediate release of Ozekhome and his driver. He said he was shocked by the development and described it as one kidnap too many.
“It further draws local and international attention to the poor state of security in our country. It also highlights the state of joblessness among youths in our country, which is one reason why they turn to this dangerous trade for their livelihood,” he said, adding: “I want to personally appeal to the kidnappers or their sponsors (if any), to kindly consider that Chief Mike Ozekhome has a family that rely on him, both nuclear and extended, and even other dependants in the society. I also appeal to them not to harm him in anyway.”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has paraded 44 persons arrested for various offences including kidnappings, armed robbery, teenage defilement, murder and human trafficking.
Among those paraded were two persons suspected to be the mastermind of the kidnappings of three primary school female teachers at Ekenwan village.
The three teachers were released after spending 14 days in captivity.
One of the suspects is the Chairman of Ekenwan Community Development Association, Morrison Oyibo, who allegedly bought the guns used for the kidnapping.
The other suspect, Ebimene Puwano, was said to have been arrested while attempting to collect his share of the ransom.
Morrison, however, said he bought the guns from one 54 year old Joseph Otor, a blacksmith, gun manufacturer and gun repairer.
Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo said the suspects were arrested immediately the teachers were released.
He said the kidnappers threatened to harm the teachers after more than 100 policemen were deployed to the bush in search of the kidnappers.
Adebanjo said the 44 suspects were arrested in the last one month.
He said 678 live cartridges were recovered and warned kidnappers to stay away from the state.
Adebanjo said measures have been put in place to check crimes in the state adding that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.
by: Osagie Otabor/Ben Ogbemudia, Benin
Culled from The Nation newspaper
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