Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have kidnapped two teachers, identified as Dada Okun and Mrs. Esther Alabi, in Owan West local government of Edo state.
It was gathered that the teachers were abducted on Monday while teaching at Obi Primary School at Obi Camp in Avbiosi community in the area.
It was learnt that the kidnappers first demanded for N1million when they contacted the family members of the victims but later increased it to N15million.
It was further gathered that the gunmen stormed the school at about 10:30am and ordered six teachers in the school to follow them after shooting sporadically.
Daily Trust learnt that four of the teachers escaped in the process of taking them to captivity while two were taken away.
It was also gathered that one of the kidnapped teachers was rescued at night with machet cuts by security operatives in conjunction with local hunters and vigilante group while the female teacher identified as Mrs. Esther Alabi, is still with the suspected kidnappers.
The Chairman of the council, Mr. Frank Ilaboya, said efforts were being made to rescue the female teacher soon.
Speaking through his media aide, Mr. Hassan Otinau, on Tuesday, he said: “We will step up the search party this morning and no stone will be left unturned until the victim is rescued unhurt.
“Last night, the kidnappers made contact with the family and I personally spoke with Mrs Alabi and urged her to be in good spirit that help was near,” Ilaboya explained.
He, however, commended the security agencies, youths and other concerned members of the public who trooped out in their numbers to join hands in the search party.
When contacted, the state’s Police command spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwanbuzor, did not pick phone calls when his mobile line was dialled by our reporter.