There was confusion in Edo State, yesterday, as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Tony Aziegbemi, was reportedly kidnapped by a gang of armed men.

Aziegbemi, said to have been captured a few metres to his residence off the Government Reservation Area in Benin City, was purportedly trailed by his abductors who were said to be in two Toyota Corolla cars.

Narrating how his boss was kidnapped, Aziegbemi's driver said: "When we left Government House for home at about 11pm, I noticed a car was trailing us. Therefore, I decided to take another diversion. We did not know they were kidnappers. Few minutes later, the same cars appeared behind us at a speed breaker point and blocked our car in the front. Immediately, the gunmen pointed their guns at us and ordered our chairman to enter their car. They took him away."

Confirming the incident, Edo State Police Public Relation Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said: "That is confirmed. It is in the jurisdiction of the New Etete Police Division, also known as Godwin Abbe Police Station, because it happened there. The Commissioner of Police has given marching orders to the tactical teams of the operatives to go after the hoodlums. All hands are on deck and we hope that we will be able to rescue him unhurt."

Meanwhile, the state government has said it was on top of the issue, saying it was working closely with security agencies to ensure Aziegbemi's safe release.

It said surveillance has been increased across the state to ensure that criminal activities were quelled and culprits were brought to justice.

While encouraging residents to go about their businesses lawfully, it urged residents to call the state emergency numbers 112 or 739 to report all suspicious persons or activities within their environs.