The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the wife of Ubani Okuo, Chairman of the Youth Group of Igarra Community, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command confirmed the incident on Thursday, January 22, stating that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has directed Divisional Police Officers in the area to work closely together to ensure the victim’s rescue.
“We received a report of suspected kidnapping, and the Commissioner of Police has ordered Divisional Police Officers in the area to collaborate in the rescue effort,” she said.
According to reports, Okuo’s wife was abducted on Tuesday night, January 20, while returning home from her shop in the town.
In response to the incident, the community has imposed a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., while night burial dances have been restricted to between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The paramount ruler of the Igarra/Akuku Clan, Oba Adeche Saiki, also confirmed the kidnapping, noting that the curfew was imposed as a joint decision by the local government chairman, the police, and the traditional institution.
“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,” the monarch said.
He added that the curfew would be enforced across the entire Akoko-Edo Local Government Area as part of measures to restore security and ensure the safe return of the abducted victim.
