Woman Pleads for Justice as Political Turmoil in Edo State Leads to Brother’s Kidnapping and Death

Woman Pleads for Justice as Political Turmoil in Edo State Leads to Brother’s Kidnapping and Death

Chaos in Edo State as attacks and disappearances among key opposition members particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become alarming. This tension is largely attributed to the fierce power struggle between the current governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

In a dramatic appeal, Mrs. Mary Jimoh, a distressed 62-year-old woman, visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on August 9th 2021, to recount the harrowing ordeal her family has endured. She described how suspected political assailants invaded her brother Mr. Tom Oshoakpeme’s home on July 20, 2021, abducted him and his wife, and set their residence ablaze.

According to Mrs. Jimoh, communication with the kidnappers resulted in a hefty ransom demand, which she met by selling valuable properties. However, the kidnappers failed to release the captives. After reporting the incident to the police, she claims no substantial progress has been made in apprehending the culprits, prompting her to appeal for help from HRM Oba Ewuare II and other prominent Nigerians.

She revealed that the incident forced her nephew, Emmanuel Oshoakpeme, an APC youth leader, to flee for his safety. Tragically, although her brother and his wife were eventually released, he succumbed to severe gunshot injuries inflicted during the ordeal.

Mrs. Jimoh called on the government and security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Edo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed an ongoing investigation into the events, vowing to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.

DSP Chidi Nwabuzor stated that the police had received a distress call regarding the kidnapping of Mr. Tom Oshoakpeme and his wife, as well as the arson on their property. He assured the family that the police are committed to leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice for the victims and promised that the perpetrators of these heinous acts would be brought to book.