Press Release
The Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has been called upon to ensure the prompt release of the kidnapped pregnant wife of a traditional leader in Agbede, Edo State.
The Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), a coalition of various community-based and civil rights groups across the country, has called upon the IG to deploy his specialized team to rescue the pregnant wife of the traditional chief and apprehend the perpetrators.
In a letter addressed to the IG, the NHRC expressed their deep concern regarding this distressing incident and the humiliation it has brought upon the kingdom and people of Agbede, an ancient Islamic community in Edo State. The incident occurred while Chief Alh. Mutairu Kabiru Igene, also known as Amari, and his pregnant wife, Mrs Mujanetu Kabiru Igene, were harvesting yams on their farm on February 28, 2024. Suddenly, a group of armed men believed to be of Fulani descent attacked them in an attempt to kidnap them.
Chief Mutairu Igene bravely resisted, but he was brutally assaulted with heavy sticks and machetes, sustaining severe injuries to his head and various parts of his body. Left for dead in a pool of blood, Chief Mutairu Igene was only discovered in the bush yesterday morning and immediately rushed to a private hospital, where he is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU). Unfortunately, his pregnant wife, Mujanetu Igene, remains captive under deplorable conditions, enduring torture, humiliation, and degradation, as stated in the NHRC’s official statement signed by the Assistant General Secretary, Taiwo Adeleye.
Time is of the essence, as the pregnant woman lacks access to medical care, putting both her and her unborn baby(ies) at high risk. Without immediate intervention, there is a grave possibility of losing both lives, according to the NHRC.
“The pregnant woman is naturally in a state of vulnerability and weakness. Being abducted and forced to trek for several kilometers in the wilderness with her Chief husband hospitalized is the epitome of cruelty. We urge you to prioritize the release of the Chief and his wife,” Adeleye stated.
The NHRC has reported that the armed men suspected to be of Fulani origin, as confirmed by eyewitness, are currently demanding a ransom of N20 million for the release of the pregnant woman.
The Agbede community has been facing continuous threats from Fulani herds and armed men for many years, resulting in the destruction of their farm crops, the assault of their women, and the harm of their loved ones. This situation is deteriorating day by day. Regrettably, the Etsako West Area command police have not shown significant concern regarding this matter, leaving the community exposed and distressed.
The organization has observed that incidents of kidnapping in the Agbede region have reached a critical level, leading to many individuals abandoning their ancestral farmlands with severe repercussions on food security and livelihoods in the community.
The NHRC has acknowledged that the nearly killing of the Chief and the abduction of his wife has sparked widespread outrage in the community, cautioning that further protests are likely if the Chief’s pregnant wife is not freed promptly.
Signed
Adeleye Taiwo
