By Eshioromeh Sebastian
The Edo State Government has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice the abductors of 90-year-old Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, condemning the act in the strongest possible terms as utterly reprehensible, barbaric and an affront to the peace and security of the state.
In a statement issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the government expressed deep distress that an elderly father and grandfather could become the target of such a heinous crime.
The government also expressed alarm over what it described as reckless and premature attempts by some individuals to politicise the incident and insinuate government involvement without any credible evidence. It warned that such irresponsible claims were not only unfortunate but capable of distracting from the urgent and critical task of securing Pa Joseph’s safe release.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, the statement noted, has remained unequivocal in his commitment to protecting the lives and property of Edo residents and has invested significantly in strengthening the state’s security architecture. It added that the level of security alertness across Edo State and Benin City has been substantially enhanced under his administration, and that this isolated but deeply disturbing incident will not weaken the government’s resolve.
Accordingly, the Governor has directed all relevant security agencies to immediately intensify their operations, work in full synergy, deploy every lawful resource at their disposal and ensure that Pa Joseph is rescued safely and reunited with his family within the next 24 hours.
The government described the incident as a direct challenge to the collective resolve of the government and people of Edo State, particularly coming on the heels of the recent convictions of four kidnappers by the Special Court established to prosecute kidnapping cases, with the offenders sentenced to death for crimes involving murder and abduction.
It noted that the government had hoped such decisive judicial action would serve as a clear deterrent to criminal elements, stressing that the administration will not be intimidated, distracted or discouraged. Governor Okpebholo has vowed that the perpetrators of this latest act will be hunted down, apprehended and made to face the full consequences of the law.
“The Governor’s position remains clear and unequivocal: Edo State must not become a safe haven for kidnappers, criminals or any elements who threaten the lives of its citizens,” the statement read.
It added that the administration will continue to take every necessary and lawful measure to dismantle criminal networks, strengthen security coordination and ensure that residents can live, work and move freely without fear. According to the government, this commitment is not political, selective or subject to negotiation, but a fundamental responsibility of government, and Governor Okpebholo will go the whole length to ensure that Edo remains safe for every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, social status or background.
The Edo State Government therefore called on anyone with credible information that could assist security agencies in locating Pa Joseph or identifying his abductors to immediately provide such information to the appropriate authorities.
“At this critical moment, the priority must be the safe rescue of Pa Joseph and the apprehension of those responsible,” the government said, assuring his family and the people of Edo State that every available resource is being mobilised towards achieving this objective.
It concluded: “Kidnapping will not be tolerated, criminality will not be allowed to prevail, and those responsible for this reprehensible act will be made to answer for their actions.”
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