Obaseki bemoans Garuba’s loss, tasks police to rescue kidnapped wife, others

• We’ve Lost A Good Man, Leader — PDP
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, expressed shock at the kidnap of the wife and other family members of the late speaker of the state assembly, Zakawanu Garuba.

He has, therefore tasked the State Police Command to immediately launch a rescue operation.

Mrs. Zakawanu and other relatives were kidnapped between Kogi State and Okpella in Edo State, while on their way to Auchi for her husband’s funeral ceremony.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said a rescue operation commenced immediately the incident was brought to the attention of security agencies in the state, and the state police commissioner, Mr. Johnson Kokumo and his Kogi State counterpart swung into action to ensure the victims’ rescue.

Osagie said, “Governor Godwin Obaseki is deeply saddened by this incident, which he described as distressing more so, with the passing of Rt. Hon. Zakawanu Garuba, earlier today.  He has ordered the police command to ensure that the kidnap victims are rescued.

Earlier on, Obaseki in a statement said: “I received the news of the passing of Garuba with a heavy heart. He was an outstanding Nigerian and a good man. He worked for the good of the people and contributed his quota to the development of his immediate community and the state.

“As Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services and Supervising Executive Commissioner, Operations at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, the late Garuba performed brilliantly, distinguishing himself as a true Edo son with his commitment to duty, innovativeness and sheer dexterity.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state said it has lost a good man and a political leader dear to the party.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, the party said: “We are saddened that our former speaker, loyal, dependable, trusted and dedicated member of our party passed at this critical time but we cannot question God’s will.