Gunmen Abduct Ace Musician, Osayomore Joseph, Shoot Wife
Adibe Emenyonu
A popular musician and social critic, Osayomore Joseph, has been kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.
In the event, Osayomore’s wife whose name could not be ascertained as at press time, was said to be shot in the head.
According to THISDAY investigation, the popular Benin musician was kidnapped at about 10p.m. at Orovie village, off Upper Ekenwan road in Egor Local Government Area of the state.
Reacting to the abduction of Osayomore, the state Police spokesman, Moses Nkombe, said police received report about the abduction at about 11p.m.
Nkombe said security operatives had been drafted to hot spots across the state.
He assured that the police would do its best to secure the release of the musician.
In the past one week, there has been reported cases of killing and abduction.
On September 24, three policemen stationed at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park were killed by kidnappers while the Managing Director of the Zoo, Dr. Andy Ehanire, was abducted.
Andy, a brother to the Minister of State Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, is yet to be released by his abductors.
On September 27, the Parish Priest of St. Benedict Church, Iddo 2, Okpella of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adorolo was kidnapped while returning from Igarra in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The priest was only released two days later after the Catholic Church refused to pay ransom.
Meanwhile, the Performing Musician Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has condemned the abduction.
The group said the victim was smashed shortly after he performed at the palace of the Oba of Benin.
State Chairman of PMAN, Eghenova Willie, in a press statement called for the unconditional release of Osayomore.
Willie, who called on Governor Godwin Obaseki to beef up security in the state, said it was shocking that kidnappers have turned on musicians in the state.
He said: “He should be released unconditionally. He is a musician and has done no harm to anybody. 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.