By Monday Ajogun
(Benin), Aderemi Bamgbose,
Okitipupa (Ondo State) Sept. 5, 2021
The police on Sunday said that they were combing the forest around the crime scene to arrest the killers of Olajide Sowore, the younger brother of Sahara Reporters’ Publisher and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
The Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kontongs Bello, gave the assurance in Benin while addressing newsmen.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that suspected kidnappers shot dead Sowore in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, “It has become very necessary for the police to inform the general public that the police are on top of the situation since the incident happened yesterday (Saturday) at about 6:45a.m.
“Bush combing has started yesterday and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Philip Ogbadu, has directed that all the tactical teams and the Divisional Police in Okada join hands in combing the forest.
“The local vigilantes in Okada, the police team from the state headquarters and the divisional police in the area are all together combing the bush to arrest the perpetrators and also rescue five others who are still with the kidnappers.
The statement said Sowore was not one of the occupants of a commercial bus, belonging to a private company, that got spoilt at about 2:00 a.m. and which became the target for the kidnappers.
“Sowore, who was coming from Okada and was going towards Benin, was just a victim whom they tried to stop and he refused and they shot at his car.
“The Commissioner of Police is doing everything possible to ensure that these people are arrested and those kidnapped are rescued,” the statement said.
The statement said that the kidnappers have yet to establish contacts with the family of their victims.
Meanwhile, Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo, representing Ondo South Senatorial District on Sunday mourned the slain Olajide Sowore, stressing in a statement issued in Okitipupa that the killing of Sowore, one of his constituents, was shocking.
He stated that evil men had stopped a good heart from beating, adding that the slain Sowore was reportedly a gentleman and easy-going person who was at peace with everyone.
“The daily loss of lives to suspected kidnappers without evidence of arrest and prosecution of culprits is a national disgrace.
“Nigerians are no longer safe even in their homes let alone on the highways over the persistent activities of kidnappers. The Federal Government should do something urgently to checkmate and curb this menace,’’ Tofowomo stated.
He commiserated with Omoyele Sowore, ex-presidential candidate, his entire family and the people of Ese-Odo Local Government Area in Ondo State over the loss of the younger Sowore.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sowore, aged 49, was a pharmacy student at Igbinedion University, Benin.
