Popular music icon, Ambassador
Osayomore Joseph, has been kidnapped and his wife shot at Benin, Edo State
capital.
The musician was abducted around 10pm at Orovie village, off
Upper Ekewan road in Egor Local Government area of the state.
The musician was billed to perform at
the first coronation anniversary ceremonies of His Royal Majesty Oba of Benin,
the Ogidigan Oba Ewuare 11 of the kingdom coming up soon.
Osayomore is known and loved by his
fans for his kind of songs. It was also gathered the musician’s wife, whose name could not be
ascertained as at press time, sustained gunshot injury in the head. Members
of the family of the musician are yet to establish contact with the abductors
as at the time of this report.
Osayomore's abduction came barely a
week after Dr. Andy Ehanire, the Executive Director of Ogba Zoo and Nature Park
kidnapped last week Sunday. Ehanire is yet to be released. Ehanire was abducted
after gunmen swooped on the tourism center, killing three policemen.
It would also be recalled that gunmen last week Wednesday September 27, kidnapped a Priest
of Auchi Diocese, Reverend Frater Lawrence Adorolo, at Okpella, Etsako East
council area of the state.
Adorolo who was later released
on Sunday by his captors, serves as the Parish Priest of Saint Benedict Church,
Iddo 2, Okpella.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),
DSP Moses Nkombe, when contacted yesterday said operatives of the command
received report about Osayamore’s kidnap around 11pm.
Nkombe added: “Policemen have been drafted to hot spots across the state and assured that the command would do its best to secure the release of Osayomore.”
The leadership and members of the Performing Musicians
Association of Nigeria (PMAN), yesterday, condemned the abduction
of Osayomore. The body described the abduction of Osayomore as an abomination.
The state chairman of PMAN, Willie Eghenova, noted with sadness
that Osayamore was abducted shortly after he performed at the palace of the Oba
of Benin in the ancient capital town.
Eghenova, in a press statement made available to newsmen
yesterday, appealed to the abductors to release the music star unconditionally.
Eghenova also called on the state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki,
to ensure adequate security in parts of the state. He said that it was shocking
that kidnappers have turned on musicians in the state.
Eghenova noted: "He should be released unconditionally. He
is a musician and has done no harm to anyone. It is a taboo for somebody to be
kidnapped after performing for the Oba of Benin. He left the Oba's Palace few minutes
before he was kidnapped. The kidnappers should know that it was an abomination
to kidnap him. This one is a serious abomination because he just finished performing
for the Oba of Benin. Obaseki should beef up security so that people can work
freely and do their business without fear."
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