Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Kidnappers of the traditional ruler’s pregnant wife in Agbede, Edo State have demanded the sum of N20 million ransome to release her.
In a petition to the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun and signed by Adeleye Taiwo, on behalf of a group, it expressed deep concern over the distressing incident.
The group called on the police 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 incident happened while Chief Mutairu Igene and his pregnant wife, Mrs. Mujanetu Kabiru Igene, were harvesting yam on their farm on February 28, 2024.
The armed men launched a sudden attack in an attempt to abduct the couple.
Chief Mutairu Igene valiantly resisted the assailants but suffered severe injuries in the process.
His abductors left him in the bush wounded and unconscious.
The following morning he was rushed to a private hospital, where he remains in the intensive care unit.
However, his pregnant wife, Mujanetu Igene, was not that lucky as remains captive under deplorable conditions, enduring torture and humiliation.
Taiwo emphasized that time is of the essence as the pregnant woman lacks access to medical care, posing a significant risk to both her and her unborn child(ren).
“The pregnant woman is naturally in a state of vulnerability and weakness.”
“We urge you to prioritize the release of the Chief and his wife,” Taiwo said.
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 group 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.
It further warned that failure to promptly release the Chief’s pregnant wife could lead to further protests and outrage in the community.