THE political wranglings in Edo State have taken a distressing turn, with attacks and sudden disappearances of key opposition members within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This development appears to stem from the intense power struggle between the incumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Speaking with our reporters on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, a visibly distraught Mrs Mary Jimoh, 62, cried out over the ordeal her family has faced following the invasion of her brother’s residence on July 20, 2021. Her brother, Mr. Tom Oshoakpeme, and his wife, Mrs. Jane Oshoakpeme, were abducted by suspected political assailants.
Mrs. Jimoh claimed that the assailants set the family’s residence at 4 Osazuwa Street, off Uwelu Road, Ogida Quarters in Benin City, ablaze. She displayed pictures showing the extent of the destruction.
She disclosed that the kidnappers demanded a huge ransom, which she managed to raise by selling valuable properties. Despite meeting their demands, the captives were not released.
This prompted her to report the matter to the police immediately. Since then, she claims there has been no substantial progress from the authorities in apprehending the culprits. She appealed to HRM Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, and other well-meaning Nigerians for assistance.
Mrs. Jimoh revealed that the incident forced her nephew, Emmanuel Oshoakpeme, an APC youth leader, to flee for his safety. Although her brother and his wife were eventually released, they sustained severe gunshot injuries. Tragically, Mr. Tom Oshoakpeme succumbed to his injuries despite medical treatment.
Mrs. Jimoh urged the government and security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act.
When contacted the Police authorities in Edo confirmed that the command had received a distress call concerning the kidnapping of Mr. Oshoakpeme and his wife, as well as the arson on their property.
They stated that an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and the subsequent death of Mr. Oshoakpeme.
The Police assured the family that the police would leave no stone unturned in their quest to bring the perpetrators to justice.