Protest as gunmen abduct teachers in Edo

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Public school teachers have staged a peaceful protest at Sabongida-Ora, headquarters of Owan West Local Government Council Secretariat in Edo State over the alleged abduction of two public schools teachers by gunmen on Monday.
The male and female teachers were abducted on the day public and private schools resumed for academic activities at Obi Camp in Avbiosi Community, Owan West Council.
The victims were abducted in the line of duty, according to Witnesses who alleged that the gunmen stormed the school at about 10:30 am and ordered six teachers in the school to follow them after several gunshots.
Four who were among the six teachers present at the scene escaped during the heist.
The Chairman of Owan West, Mr. Frank Ilaboya who confirmed the incident, assured that the female teacher identified as Mrs Esther Alabi would soon be released.
Ilaboya who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Hassan Otinau, said efforts were being made to release the teacher unhurt.
According to him, “We won’t relent until Mrs Alabi is released unhurt. We are on top of the situation and there is hope that she will be out in no time.
“Our thoughts are with the immediate family at this moment of uncertainty. Yes, we feel their pains, but we just have to keep up the tempo of our search as we did yesterday.
“I want to commend the security agencies, the youths and other concerned members of the public who trooped out in their numbers to join hands in the search party. Thank you all for your efforts, it really shows the love that binds us together as a Local Government.
“Last night, the kidnappers made contact with the family and I personally spoke with Mrs Alabi and urged her to be in good spirit that help was near,” Mr Ilaboya explained further.
“We will step up the search party this morning and no stone will be left unturned until the victim is rescued unhurt.
”I believe that with the combined efforts of all, we will get her out in no time
“I am personally pained by this ugly situation, where harmless primary school teachers are now targets of kidnappers.
“Yesterday was their first day at school after the New Year’s break, and their joy of reuniting with their pupils has been turned upside down.
“One thing I want to tell our people is that we will chase and chase these bandits out of Owan West, that is a promise and we won’t compromise on this”, he said.
Our Correspondent reports academic activities at Obi Camp primary school.
It was gathered that security operatives supported by hunters and vigilance group rescued the male teacher at night.