Gunmen kidnap popular Edo musician shortly after performing at the palace of the Oba of Benin, his wife shot in the head

Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a popular musician and social critic, Ambassador Osayomore Joseph, in his village at Orovie, near Benin City.

Osayomore was kidnapped around 10 :00 p .m . at Orovie village, off Upper Ekewan road in Egor local government area on Tuesday, September 3. His wife sustained gun shot wounds on the head in the process.

Spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, DSP Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the incident said police received report about the abduction around 11 :00 p .m .

Nkombe said security operatives have been drafted to hot spots across the state. He assured that the police would do its best to secure the release of Osayomore.

Reacting to the incident, the Edo State branch of the Performing Musician Association of Nigeria (PMAN ) has condemned the kidnapping of Osayomore.

It said the kidnapping of Osayomore was an abomination because the victim was abducted shortly after he performed at the palace of the Oba of Benin.

State chairman of PMAN , Eghenova Willie, in a press statement called for the unconditional release of Osayomore just as he called on Governor Godwin Obaseki to beef up security in the state.