Unknown gunmen, on Tuesday, abducted Monday Aighobahi, the Director General, DG, of the campaign organisation of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency of Edo, Dennis Idahosa.
Mr Idahosa, a former council chairman of the area, said the DG of his campaign organisation was abducted at Ofosu, Ogbogui Ward where he went to canvass for votes.
“I was at the rally at Ofosu with him and left shortly after for other places in continuation of my campaign.
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“He was left behind to sort some things out after which he was to join us at another campaign location afterwards,” he narrated.
Mr Idahosa alleged that the abduction was politically motivated as Aighobahi is a stronghold of the ward.
“Politically, Aighobahi has a stronghold of the ward and my opponent knows this. I am not out to see bloodshed; so I will urge all to go about the electioneering in a very peaceful way.
“While urging the abductors to release their captives unconditionally, I appeal to my supporters and the people of Ovia to remain calm,” he said.
Mr Idahosa, however, said he remained resolute in his quest to win the seat for the Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Contacted, the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosun, said he had yet to be briefed on the incident, but promised to verify from the Divisional Police Officer of Okada.
Meanwhile, Mr Idahosa disclosed that the kidnappers contacted him directly two hours after the abduction.
“Yes, they called around 9pm last night and again called early this morning by insisting on the said amount, N200m, before they will release Aighobhahi.
“I am quite aware of the sinister motive of the people behind this, but they have failed, the determination to liberate Ovia is not all about Idahosa, it is the resolve of the people and they cannot kill the will of the people,” he stated.
Aighobhahi was adopted alongside one Mike Ogiamen, the APC ward leader of Ogbogui, a political stronghold of Aighobhahi.