Toba Owojaiye reporting
Irrua, Esan Central LGA, Edo State
In an absolutely shocking turn of events, Mr. Clifford Ehichioya, widely known as “Small Chief,” a high-profile leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and owner of Cliffsandra Hotel, has been abducted in broad daylight by unknown gunmen, plunging the town of Irrua into chaos and fear.
Truth Live News gathered, the brazen kidnapping, which occurred just before noon on Thursday, has sent shockwaves through Esan Central Local Government Area, igniting an already tense atmosphere. The community is reeling, especially since the recent withdrawal of local vigilante groups and growing concerns over the security vacuum it created.
The circumstances surrounding Ehichioya’s abduction remain shrouded in mystery, but locals report an alarming sense of insecurity that has escalated dramatically in recent weeks. With elections looming and tensions simmering, this bold move has residents in a state of disbelief and anger, especially given the promises of improved security by political parties.
Frustration is boiling over as citizens question why law enforcement agencies seem unable—or unwilling—to rein in the rising wave of crime, particularly as rumors swirl about political motivations behind the violence. Accusations of a deliberate destabilization campaign by political actors ahead of the crucial Edo 2024 elections are fueling unrest.
Residents, furious and desperate, have begun revolting, openly expressing their belief that this abduction is part of a broader attempt to suppress opposition through violence and intimidation. They are demanding immediate government intervention and the swift return of Mr. Clifford before the situation spirals completely out of control.
Stay tuned as more details emerge from this explosive and unsettling situation.