Edo State Government Responds to Abduction of ADC Candidate's Father

Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, a 90-year-old nonagenarian and father of Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Edo South Senatorial District, was abducted by suspected gunmen from his residence in Amagba, Benin City. The abduction occurred in the early hours of the previous day, raising concerns about potential political motivations behind the incident.

Hon. Kassim Afegbua, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, condemned the abduction, labeling it “morally reprehensible” and cautioned against linking it to politics without evidence. He stated that allegations against the state government could hinder efforts to combat insecurity.

Governor Monday Okpebholo has invested in security infrastructure and directed security agencies to work together for the victim's safe return. Afegbua noted a recent court ruling that sentenced four kidnappers to death, calling the abduction a setback to the government's anti-crime initiatives and urged the public to assist with information regarding Pa Iduoriyekemwen's whereabouts.