Over three weeks after Mr. Okasime Olowojoba’s was abducted and payment of a ₦5 million ransom, the Labour Party Chairman of Ward 1 in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State is yet to be released.
It was gathered that youths from the locality disclosed this during a protest over the alleged abandonment and insensitivity of the government to their plight, particularly regarding infrastructural development and the security of lives and property.
The protesters converged along Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo Expressway in the state to express their displeasure over the dilapidated condition of the road.
The spokesperson for the protesters, Paul Lawani, lamented that more than three weeks after the kidnapping of the Labour Party chieftain and the payment of ₦5 million ransom, his abductors are yet to release him to his family.
Lawani attributed the kidnappings in the local government to bad roads, especially a well-known dangerous spot within the Sasaro community, an area previously known for violent abductions and where the politician was kidnapped.
“The poor condition of the road has led to a high rate of insecurity and poverty in the area. Insecurity has become a daily occurrence in the locality, causing fear and trepidation.
“Akoko-Edo Local Government Area has three general hospitals, and none is functioning well.
“As of today, Akoko-Edo is ripe for a military base, yet we see these bases being established in areas that may not necessarily need them.
“Is the state government not aware that one of the key drivers of these kidnappings is the deplorable condition of the road? Instead of fixing the road, they are already campaigning for Tinubu in 2027,” he said.
Lawani further noted that despite Akoko-Edo’s meaningful contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Edo State, the government has allegedly continued to treat the area like a colony.
The protesters also accused political office holders from the locality of being insensitive to their plight.
The protest caused serious traffic congestion along the road, allowing travelers, including heavy-duty vehicles and other road users, wait for long hours.
They vowed to continue the protest until the state government addresses their concerns.
The Otaru of Igarra, Oba Adeche Saiki, had to intervene, sending agents to the protesters to open the road for traffic.
Efforts to obtain a response from the state government proved abortive, as the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Barr. Paul Ohonbamu, could not be reached by phone.
It was reported that Labour Party chairman Okasime Olowojoba was abducted by suspected kidnappers on Saturday, April 26 along the Auchi–Benin–Ibillo Road while on his way to Igarra from Auchi.
He had gone to bring his children home ahead of school resumption on Monday, April 28.
