Popular Realtor Killed, Another Kidnapped in Edo
Mr. Joel Umwueni Isibor, a well-known real estate developer and boutique owner in Benin City, was tragically killed last Friday evening. The 42-year-old businessman was shot at close range by unknown gunmen in what is being described as a brutal and senseless attack.
EdoToday gathered that Mr. Isibor was locking up his store for the day when armed men attacked and shot him at close range. Nothing was taken from the shop, raising fears that it may have been a planned assassination.
In response to the tragedy, Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, paid a visit to the grieving family, delivering heartfelt condolences on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo and the entire state government.
“The Governor is deeply saddened by this brutal murder. We won’t rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” Idahosa assured the family.
He went on to warn criminal elements to steer clear of Edo State, stressing that the government would not tolerate violence or lawlessness. The Deputy Governor also promised that the government would work closely with security agencies to ensure a full and thorough investigation.
Mrs. Joel Isibor, the late businessman’s wife, was visibly heartbroken during the visit. She described the attack as a “cold-blooded and intentional killing,” noting that her husband was ambushed while trying to lock up the store. She appealed to the government to dig deep and uncover those behind her husband’s death.
“My husband was the breadwinner of our family. He didn’t deserve to die like this,” she said through tears.
In Another Disturbing Development…
While many were still reeling from the news of Mr. Isibor’s tragic death, another distressing incident emerged — this time from Akoko-Edo.
Mr. Okasime Olowojoba, the Ward 1 Chairman of the Labour Party and a well-known realtor in Edo North, was kidnapped along the Auchi-Benin-Ibillo Road while returning to Igarra with his children.
Sources say the incident happened near Sasaro, an area notorious for frequent kidnappings. The kidnappers initially took everyone in the car , including Mr. Olowojoba’s children and house help but later released the children and abducted only him.
A close family member revealed that the kidnappers are now demanding a ₦50 million ransom.
“He went to Auchi to pick up his children for school resumption. On their way back, the kidnappers struck. We couldn’t even reach anyone because the mobile network in that area was down,” the source said.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the police regarding the incident. Repeated attempts to reach the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, have been unsuccessful.
