NBA issues 48 hours ultimatum to Edo Police to rescue Three Lawyers kidnapped on Benin-Auchi road

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Edo State Police Command to rescue three lawyers kidnapped by gunmen near Ehor, along Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi-Abuja Road.  The Nigerian Bar Association in a statement demanded the rescue of lawyers from their captors unharmed and unscathed.

The kidnapped lawyers identified as Fred Aburu, Israel Unurierume, and Eda Gbejule, were said to be traveling from Warri, Delta State, to Sabo-Gidda Ora High Court with their driver, Kome Esike.

The NBA Benin City, besides the 48-hour ultimatum to the Edo State Police Command to secure the release of the kidnapped lawyers and their driver, also demanded other security agencies to intervene as well for the safe return of the victims.

The Edo State Police Command, on Thursday, revealed that three kidnappers were killed on Wednesday morning on the Ehor corridor of the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi-Abuja Road during exchange of fireworks with the kidnappers.

The Edo State Police Command disclosed that the command got notification from the Vigilante Network Chairman, Irrua, Wednesday morning that a black Toyota Venza car with Reg. NO SKL 394 TD, traveling from Benin City to Ekpoma, was shot at from the bush by the kidnappers, who whisked away the driver/occupants into the bush.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bello Kontongs, in a statement indicated that the DPO Ehor Division, CSP Benefa Benjamin, urgently mobilized and led combined teams of police, military, and local vigilantes on search and rescue operations into the bush. He said that at about 11.34hrs, ASP Obaro Samuel, attached to state Highway Patrol Ebute, and the military sighted the armed kidnappers who immediately engaged the security operatives in gun battle.

The PPRO said the security team shot three members of the gang, who  were rushed to Iruekpen General Hospital, but were  confirmed dead by the doctor on arrival.

The police disclosed that items recovered from the kidnappers include one AK-47 rifle with 14 live ammunition, one English Pump action gun with 18 live cartridges, one ATM card, two wristwatches, and N1,500 cash.