By Our Reporter
The residents of Obayantor community in Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo state has called on the commissioner of police, Muhammmed Dankwara and governor Godwin Obaseki, to come to their rescue over incesant
Kidnapping of community members by nine-Man gang.
The community alleged that they are traumatized by the nine-man gang allegedly led by one Unity Ugonrobo , an offshoot of Endurance Omoregie(aka Ajala) who is currently in Police custody facing trial.
The Community Elders made the allegation in a statement signed by the Odionwere, Pa Emokpae Iyamu, Elder Godwin Aghimien and the Secretary , Pa. David Omorogbe respectively and made available to newsmen in Benin City.
According to the statement, the alleged gang members comprise of Osagie Omokaro, Agbohuan Okoro, Egbenomwan Okokaro , Osarunmwen Ogunrobo , Osarobo Osikwemen, Egberanwen Omokaro and Uyi Oghegbe has made several attempts to kidnap residents of the community over since Endurance Omoregie was arrested by Security agents.
The gang members who were said to have recently kidnapped three members of the community at their building site on the 16th of November 2023 has earlier kidnaped one Aminahwon Omoruyi on November 7th, about 4am in the morning in his house when he came out to answered the call of nature.
The community further stated that the victim , Aminahwon managed to escape from his abductors when Mr. Enofe Omoregie heard the noise of the kidnapers and ran to the Army Officers who were on check point and narrated the fate of Aminahwon Omoruyi and sought for help from them.
It was learnt that the Security Officers went into action immediately and dislodged the kidnappers from their hideout in the community and rescue Aminahwon Omoruyi while they escaped.
The community is however appealing to the State Commissioner of Police , Muhammed Dankwara and the State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki to come to their rescue by beefing up the presence of security personnels in the Community to curtail the activities of the gang.
The statement further recalled that the community has been known for peace but things turned around in 2020 after the invasion of the community by one Endurance Omoregie ,aka Ajala who toppled the legitimate leadership of the community led by Odionwere, Elders, Okaighele and took over the mantle of power along with his gang while also recruiting thugs from the neighboring communities.
The Community noted that immediately after they overthrow the Elders of the Community, Endurance and his gangs commenced the selling of communal lands to their cronies indiscriminately.
This unwholesome activities led to chaos and anarchy in the Community leading to a shootout between his gang and security agents which invariably led to the death and disappearance of an Army officer .
According to them, though the said Ajala has been apprehended and going through prosecution by the Police, , his members are on the prowl disturbing the Peace and security of the dommunity on a daily basis.