Gunmen abduct Edo monarch’s wife, daughter

Unknown gunmen have kidnapped wife of the Onojie of Ewatto Kingdom in Esan South East Council Area of Edo State, His Royal Highness Ikhumhen 11, Queen Florence Ikhumhen, alongside one of her daughters.

The queen, who recently retired from the civil service as principal of Itohan Grammar School, Benin City, was abducted along with her child from her residence within the Guinness Nigeria plant locality in the Edo capital.

It was gathered that the gunmen shot sporadically into the air before whisking away the victims.

Sources told journalists that the attackers, armed with AK 47 rifles, came with a speedboat through the Ikpoba River and left with the captives via the same route.

Palace sources said the incident has devastated the traditional ruler and thrown the entire community into confusion.

It was further gathered that the kidnappers had established contact with the palace and close family members. However, there was no information on the ransom demanded by the kidnapers.

When contacted, spokesman for the state police command, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed receipt of the abduction from the divisional police officer (DPO) in charge of Ikpoba Hill Division, added that investigation into the matter had begun.