Kidnappers have been on the rampage again in Edo State. Few weeks ago, they kidnapped Dr. Andy Ehanire, the Director of Ogba Zoological Garden and Park. During the incident, three policemen guarding operations in the zoo were killed by the kidnappers.
On Tuesday 3rd October, 2017, Ambassador Osayomore Joseph, the Ulele Power Sound maestro was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Benin City.
He had gone to the Palace with his musical team to perform as part of activities for the first coronation anniversary of our revered Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo.
Osayomore Joseph has been in the music industry for many decades and has released so many albums that captured the problems confronting ordinary person in the society. He could be nick-named the “Fela” of Edo music, because his compositions are aimed at emancipating the people. He also speaks against the ills in the society, especially in governance.
Importantly, Osayomore Joseph uses his music to promote the very rich culture and tradition of Benin Kingdom. Some of his hit tracks include, “Ighayasedo”, “Aiguobasimwin-Edo”, “Ororo no de fade, Oba no dey go transfer”, “Igho-Odefeyi”, “Ighalabevbo,” among others.
That explains why His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa of blessed memory gave him a Royal bead in recognition of his selfless services to the Palace, Benin Kingdom and humanity in general.
Undoubtedly, Ambassador Osayomore Joseph has contributed so much to the growth and development of the music industry, and has groomed and empowered many youths in the society.
Those who know Ambassador Osayomore Joseph say he is an easy going person with high sense of humility and respect for all.
Besides, Osayomore Joseph hurts no one in anyway. His kidnap as well as the kidnap of Dr. Andy Ehanire are coming at a time everyone thought kidnapping has abated in Edo State.
This renewed offensive by kidnappers therefore calls for all hands to be on deck at combating the menace of kidnapping in the society.
Towards this end, the various security agencies should brace up and be alive to their duties of securing lives and property of citizens, especially as the yuletide season approaches.
Those keeping Ambassador Osayomore Joseph and Dr. Andy Ehanire in their captivity should do well by releasing them unhurt and unconditionally. They should be reminded by the saying that the “Evil that men do, live after them” and that “a child who throws stone into the market does not know if it will hit his mother”.
It is pertinent to state here that the problem or hardship experienced in Nigeria was not caused by people like Osayomore Joseph or Dr. Andy Ehanire, and one begins to wonder why innocent and poor people will have to be the sacrificial lamb for sins they did not commit.
The kidnappers should re-examine their conscience if they have any to know that the path they are towing is indeed wrong and should retrace their step. It is absurd to find those who have stolen our common resources for their self-enrichment walking freely in the society, while kidnappers chase after innocent poor people. This should not be.
Meanwhile, Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Haliru Gwandu, has disclosed that Ex-militants were responsible for the recent killing of three policemen in Ogba Zoological Garden in Benin City.
The policemen were posted to provide security for fun seekers at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Oredo Local Government Area of the state.
Gwandu disclosed this when he made an on the spot assessment visits to the Zoo along Airport Road in Oredo Local Government Area of the state.
He described the incidence as unfortunate and promised that all hands were already on deck to fish out the hoodlums.
“It was an unfortunate incidence. We lost three of our personnel. This is the activities of the militants because of the high sea now.
“They came and unfortunately killed our policemen but we are on the trail of the hoodlums. We are able to recover the vehicles they used to perpetrate the act. We are using all the available means including the high tech to fish out the perpetrators.
“They cannot go scot free. Let me assure the general public in Edo State that we are on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal duty. All hands are on deck to ensure that the hoodlums are fished out”, he said.
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