Nigeria: CSOs Petition IGP Over Bandit Attack and Kidnapping of Pregnant Wife of Edo Monarch

Nigeria: CSOs Petition IGP Over Bandit Attack and Kidnapping of Pregnant Wife of Edo Monarch

By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria

A coalition of civil rights organizations has called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene swiftly and ensure the safe release of the pregnant wife of a traditional leader in Agbede, Edo State.

In a petition to the IGP, signed by Adeleye Taiwo on behalf of the coalition, deep concern was expressed over the disturbing incident. The coalition urged the police hierarchy to deploy a specialized team to rescue the pregnant wife of Chief Alh. Mutairu Kabiru Igene, also known as Amari, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to the petition, the tragic incident unfolded while Chief Mutairu Igene and his pregnant wife, Mrs. Mujanetu Kabiru Igene, were harvesting yams on their farm on February 28, 2024.

Armed men, suspected to be of Fulani descent, launched a sudden attack, attempting to abduct the couple. Chief Mutairu Igene valiantly resisted the assailants but suffered severe injuries in the process.

Left wounded and unconscious, he was found in the bush the following morning and rushed to a private hospital, where he remains in the intensive care unit. However, his pregnant wife, Mujanetu Igene, remains captive under deplorable conditions, enduring torture and humiliation.

Taiwo emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the pregnant woman’s lack of access to medical care, which poses a significant risk to both her and her unborn child(ren).

He stated, “The pregnant woman is naturally in a state of vulnerability and weakness. Being abducted and forced to trek for several kilometers in the wilderness with her Chief husband hospitalized is the epitome of cruelty. We urge you to prioritize the release of the Chief and his wife.”

The armed men, suspected to be of Fulani origin as per eyewitness accounts, are demanding a ransom of N20 million for the release of the pregnant woman, adding to the anguish of the Agbede community.

The community has long faced threats from Fulani herds and armed men, resulting in the destruction of their crops and harm to their loved ones.

The CSOs noted that incidents of kidnapping in the Agbede region have reached a critical level, prompting many to abandon ancestral farmlands, which threatens food security and livelihoods.

The coalition further warned that failure to promptly release the Chief’s pregnant wife could lead to further protests and outrage in the community.

The petition underscores the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to address the growing insecurity in the region and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.

Post a Comment

Translate »