The chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state and former member of the house of representatives, representing Esan North-east/Esan South-east federal constituency, Mr. Tony Aziegbemi has been released by his abductors.
Mr. Aziegbemi was set free in the early hours of Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 and returned to his Benin city residence around 3 a.m. after spending 11 days in captivity.
The special adviser for media projects to the Edo state governor, Crusoe Osagie, confirmed the news.
Also speaking, Clem Aziegbemi, a relative of the PDP chairman said, “as a member of the Aziegbemi family, we say thank you all for your great show of love and solidarity with us all through the period of the abduction of our beloved son, brother, cousin, and leader, Dr Tony Aziegbemi. Thank you, all…. We are most grateful for all your valuable contributions through prayers and steadfastness. God bless”.
Mr Aziegbemi was reportedly ambushed at the Bishop Edokpolor Boulevard Junction, off Country Home, GRA Benin City, while returning from the Government House, where he held a meeting with the state governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Mr. Aziegbemi himself said, “I am back home with my family. I am fine. I am just trying to rest. I am happy,” When pressed on the report the abductors demanded a 500-million-naira ransom and whether such payment was made to secure his release, He refused to comment.
The police spokesperson in the state, Chidi Nwabuzor, said the police would soon issue an official statement on the development.
