The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of the wife of Ubani Okuo, the Chairman of the Youth Group of Igarra Community, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, Jan. 22, said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had ordered Divisional Police Officers in the area to work together to ensure the victim’s rescue.
She said, “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.”
Okuo’s wife was abducted on Tuesday night, Jan. 20, while on her way home from her shop in the town.
The community has now imposed a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and also restricted night burial dances to between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The paramount ruler of the Igarra/Akuku Clan, Oba Adeche Saiki, who also confirmed the kidnapping, said the imposition of the curfew was a joint decision by the local government chairman, the police, and the traditional institution.
He said, “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 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.”