Ambassador Osayomore Joseph kidnapped in Benin City

BENIN—POPULAR Edo State-born musician and social critic, Osayomore Joseph, was Tuesday abducted by kidnappers in Benin, the state capital. It was learned that his wife, who tried to beg for her husband, was shot in the head. Osayomore was kidnapped at about 10p.m. at Orovie village off Upper Ekewan Road, Egor Local Government Area. Recalled that on September 24, three policemen stationed at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park were killed by kidnappers, while the Managing Director of the Zoo, Dr. Andy Ehanire was abducted. Andy, brother to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, is yet to be released by his abductors. Reacting to the abduction of Osayomore, Edo State Police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, said Police received report about the abduction at about 11p.m. DSP Nkombe said security operatives had been drafted to hot spots across the state, assuring that the Police will do its best to secure Osayomore’s release. Meanwhile, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, has condemned his kidnap, describing the abduction as an abomination, noting that the veteran musician was abducted after he performed at the palace of the Oba of Benin. State Chairman of PMAN, Eghenova Willie, in a statement called for the unconditional release of Osayomore. Willie, who appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki to beef up security in the state, said it was shocking that kidnappers had turned on musicians in the state. His words: “He should be released unconditionally. He is a musician and has done no harm to anybody. It is a taboo for somebody to be kidnapped after performing for the Oba of Benin. “He left the Oba’s Palace few minutes before he was kidnapped. The kidnappers should know that it was an abomination to kidnap him.” Read more at