Edo PDP chairman's abductors demand N500m ransom

Nine days after his kidnapping, abductors of Tony Aziegbemi, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, have reportedly contacted his relations and demanded a N500 million ransom.

Allnews.ng had reported that the PDP chairman was abducted by six gunmen on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the door to his home at 11 p.m. following a meeting at Government House with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

But the kidnappers abandoned his driver during the abduction. 

Azeigbemi's kidnappers phoned the family early on Friday morning, according to a family source who spoke on the condition of anonymity. During the chat, the kidnappers requested a N500 million ransom.

When approached, Chidi Nwabuzor, the Edo State Police Command's public relations officer, stated:

"I have not heard of any demands for ransom. I am only able to vouch for what I know."

Allnews.ng had initially noted that before the purported ransom demand, a family member going by the name of Sam Ogbeiye had pleaded with the abductors to spare Aziegbemi's life and get in touch with the family.

Additionally, Ogbeiye urged security services to step up their efforts to ensure his liberation.

At a press conference held at the state command, Funsho Adegboye, the commissioner of the Edo State Police, informed reporters that the police tactical team is searching the woods and waterways with the help of hunters and vigilante groups in an attempt to find the victim unharmed.

Meanwhile, a joint team comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police, military, and vigilantes, on Wednesday, successfully rescued 20 kidnapped victims in Edo State.

The incident occurred on March 18, 2024, along the Lampese-Ogorimagogo Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, where armed men suspected to be kidnappers abducted 41 passengers.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, stated that the armed men intercepted four Toyota Hiace buses and abducted the occupants, taking them into the bush.   

In response, the police, military, and vigilante operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene and conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to the rescue of 20 passengers.

Nwabuzor further disclosed that efforts are underway to rescue the remaining 21 passengers still in captivity.

The armed men believed to be herders, emerged from the bush, halted the vehicles at gunpoint, and forcibly kidnapped the occupants before retreating into the wilderness.