Edo kidnapping Igarra reported as police launch operation to rescue chairman’s wife; curfew imposed in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of the wife of Ubani Okuo, Chairman of the Youth Group of Igarra Community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

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The Police Public Relations Officer of the command stated that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had directed Divisional Police Officers in the area to collaborate in the rescue operation.

“We received a report of suspected kidnapping. The Commissioner of Police has directed Divisional Police Officers in the area to collaborate in the rescue effort,” she said.

According to a community source who spoke on condition of anonymity, Okuo’s wife was abducted on Tuesday night while returning home from her shop in Igarra.

In response, the community has imposed a nightly curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and restricted burial dances to between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The decision was jointly made by the local government chairman, the police, and the traditional institution to prevent further incidents.

The paramount ruler of the Igarra/Akuku Clan, Oba Adeche Saiki, confirmed the kidnapping and emphasised the need for caution. “It is true.

We suspect that these bad elements now live among us and may even mingle with our people before carrying out their acts at night,” he said.

“The imposition of the curfew is a joint agreement between the local government chairman, the police, and the traditional institution. It is expected to be enforced across the entire local government area.”

The incident follows the recent release of seven kidnapped indigenes of Imoga Community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

They were freed on Monday evening after the payment of an undisclosed ransom and reunited with their families, according to Bode Ekundayo, coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People.

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Police continue to investigate the case and are working to ensure the safe return of Okuo’s wife.