A coalition of civil rights organizations has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging swift action for the release of the abducted wife of Mutairu Kabiru Igene, a prominent traditional leader in Agbede, Edo State.
The petition, signed by Adeleye Taiwo on behalf of the coalition, highlights deep concerns over the incident and calls upon the police hierarchy to deploy a specialized team to rescue the pregnant wife and apprehend the perpetrators. The abduction occurred during a yam harvesting activity on February 28, where armed men, suspected to be of Fulani descent, attacked the couple. While Igene managed to resist, sustaining severe injuries, his wife, Mujanetu, was taken captive, enduring torture and humiliation.
Time sensitivity is emphasized as the pregnant woman lacks access to medical care, posing significant risks to her and the unborn child. The urgency is underscored by the cruelty of her abduction and forced trekking in the bush while her husband remains hospitalized.
The Guardian has learned that the armed men are demanding a ransom of N20 million for her release. This incident sheds light on the longstanding threats faced by the community members from fulani herders and armed groups, leading to the destruction of crops and harm to loved ones.
The coalition further notes the escalating level of kidnapping incidents in the Agbede region, forcing residents to abandon ancestral farmlands due to threats to food security and livelihoods. This situation underscores the need for immediate and decisive action from law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community and bring the perpetrators to justice.
IMAGE: Web
