Patrick Igbinidu, a popular Benin chief and elder brother of one of the wives of the Oba of Benin, Solomon Erediauwa, has been kidnapped.

The news is coming at the same period as the release of prominent Nigerian lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, who was freed early on Thursday after nearly two weeks with the abductors.

Chief Igbinidu is the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Udo, a part of Benin, the Edo State capital; and according to family sources, he was abducted by unknown gunmen late on Wednesday.

It was learnt that the traditional ruler was playing the game of draughts in his palace when the kidnappers, brandishing guns, stormed the place in an Audi car and whisked him to an unknown destination.

Chairman of Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Mr. Morrison Oggunrobe-Ovia confirmed the abduction, saying the kidnappers were yet to contact anyone concerning ransom for the traditional ruler. He added that the council is collaborating with the Police in order to secure his release.

Meanwhile, Ozekhome wept bitterly as he united with his family in Lagos after several days of his abduction. Ozekhome, released on Thursday morning, arrived in Lagos in a black Ford Escalade SUV late afternoon and was received by his wife, whom he kissed passionately while repeatedly shouting: “Thank you, Jesus.”

Ozekhome, who had grown beards, told those gathered in his house that he would never forget his experience in the hands of the kidnappers

His elder brother, Dr. Francis Ozekhome, who was part of those that received him, said: “I have not been myself since his kidnap as I went through hell during that time. I had to leave my house in Ijeshatedo to stay with the wife and children.

“We received no communication from the kidnappers and I do not know if money was paid for his release because no money passed through me.

“Mike is a man of the people. We can see that there is no security in the country. I am appealing to the Federal Government that this is the time for them to do something about the nation’s security.”