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An air of easiness has pervaded Ibillo and other communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo state, as four residents were said to have been kidnapped in Ibillo.
The incident which occured in the early hours of Saturday when the residents were still on bed, witnessed sporadic shooting to scare away the residents during their operation.
Four people were successful kidnapped in the process while others managed to escape into nearby bushes.
Speaking on phone with Daily Independent, a father of one of the victims who preferred anonymity for security reasons, explained that the operation was a terrifying one, as the kidnappers were heavily armed.
“We were sleeping when suddenly, we heard gunshots. The kidnappers started to break down the gates and doors of houses.
“Some neighbours quickly alerted the Police, soldiers and vigilantes in the town for help. But by the time the security operatives arrived, the kidnappers had gone with four residents.
“The kidnappers operated for over an hour before they left. We are pleading for the safe rescue of our kidnapped people.
“For quite some months now, there have been regular Incidents of attacks in Okpameri community made up of over 15 towns and villages.
We want the federal and state governments to boost the security measures they currently have in place,” he said.
When Daily Independent contacted the Division Police Officer (DPO) of Ibillo Police Station, CSP Wowo Kingdom, for an update, he declined.
“According to Police rules, I cannot speak with you. You can reach out to the state command’s PPRO,” he quipped.
This morning, it was learnt that the kidnappers last night reached out to some family members of the victims, demanding a ransom of N50 million.
The fight against kidnapping and all forms of crimes has recently been emphasized and intensified by the Edo state government.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Friday, said his administration was serious about stamping out kidnappings and banditry from all parts of the state.
Okpebholo said public execution of kidnappers and other criminals would made others to run away.
As part of the governor’s determination to rid the state of criminals, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, at weekend, constituted a special court to try cultism and kidnapping cases as part of efforts to tackle violent crimes in the state
