Osahon Osahon
The wife and children of Hon. Zakawanu Garuba, a former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, who died on Saturday morning, have been kidnapped.
Mrs. Hassana Garuba and her children were reportedly kidnapped along Okene/Auchi road late Saturday afternoon by armed-wielding gunmen.
The victims were said to be returning from Abuja to Auchi for the burial of her late husband who died of undisclosed ailment in Abuja hospital.
Garuba, a former two-time member of Edo Assembly, hailed from Akpekpe community in Auchi, Etsako West local government area of the state.
ALSO READ: Former Edo House Of Assembly Speaker, Zakawanu Garuba, Is Dead
It was gathered that it is the second time the wife of the former lawmaker was being kidnapped. She was kidnapped in 2016 along the popular Benin/Auchi Road.
A source in the community confirmed the development to NIGER DELTA TODAY Online added that the kidnappers abducted deceased wife, three children and driver.
It was gathered that the gunmen, however, left behind the aged mother of the late former speaker who was travelling with kidnapped victims in the same car.
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has directed security agencies in the state to ensure that the victims were rescued.
The Governor in a statement by his media aide, Crusoe Osagie, said the incident was brought to the attention of security agencies in the state.
“He (Obaseki) has ordered the police command to ensure that the kidnap victims are rescued.
“The Commissioner of Police has contacted his Kogi State counterpart and leading the rescue operation.
“The Governor has ensured that the police gets all the necessary support to track down the kidnappers and fast-track the safe rescue of the victims,” he said.
