Edo PDP raises alarm over alleged attack, kidnap of party chieftains

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 5, and the State’s Commissioner of Police to look into the case of some suspected rogue policemen from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja who are believed to have been paid huge sums to harass, attack PDP chieftains across the three (3) senatorial districts of the State.

In a statement by the Deputy Director General for Media and Publicity of the PDP Campaign Council for the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, Rev. Olu Martins, the party said the rogue police officers have been operating outside the scope of their job, carrying AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, harassing and arresting PDP chieftains across the State.

The statement reads: “The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 5, and the State’s Commissioner of Police to look into the case of some suspected rogue policemen from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja who are believed to have been paid huge sums to harass, attack PDP chieftains across the three (3) senatorial districts of the State.

“These suspected rogue mufti-wearing police officers have been operating outside the scope of their job, carrying AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, harassing and arresting PDP chieftains across the State.

“Since they began their sinister operations, they have arrested Hon. Kingsley Osahon, the Counselor Representing Ward 10, in Esan North East Local Government Area of the State, and a few other people who we currently don’t have their details.”

Olu Martins continued: “We are also aware that they have a long list of major PDP chieftains across the State’s three senatorial districts who they are planning to abduct for the political purpose of weakening the PDP ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election slated for September 21, 2024.

“Some names believed to be on this list include the Chairman of Esan North East Local Government Area (LGA), Dr. Kelly Inedegbor, among others, whose identities have yet to be confirmed.

“We are calling on the Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 5, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and other security agencies to step in and stop these harassments by this suspected band of rogue police operatives believed to be on illegal duty.”

The party noted, “The Edo State PDP is calling for a stop to all forms of intimidation and devious plots to silence our party leaders, as no amount of threat will hinder the defeat that awaits the APC in the September 21st governorship election.”

“Consequently upon the above, we urge the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to maintain the high integrity that is associated with his Office, and that also note that, the Nigeria Police is a Police for all Nigerians and not an extension of the All Progressives Congress.

“We also call on the Inspector General of Police to use his good Offices to cause an unbiased and thorough investigation based on the above complaints.”