Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, has accused the Edo State Government and security agencies of failing to support efforts to rescue kidnapped victim, Aisha Wahab.
In a statement released on Friday, Gwamnishu revealed that despite repeated attempts to collaborate with the state government and security authorities, his team received no response throughout the operation.
The statement comes after Aisha regained her freedom following repeated pleas from her on video seeking help with completing the demanded ransom.
He said the lack of cooperation prevented them from capturing the kidnappers during the rescue process.
According to him, certain technical equipment needed for the operation could only be deployed with official authorization, which they were unable to obtain from the state.
He said this lack of support forced his team to withdraw from Edo and return to their operational base in another state where they receive full backing from the police, military, and government.
Gwamnishu stated that Aisha, who was abducted two weeks ago at Igbira Camp, Auchi, was released on Thursday night in Okpella, Edo State — a distance he noted the victim was forced to trek alongside her abductors.
“Sadly, we couldn’t move in to capture her abductors because the state security agencies and the Edo State Government have repeatedly failed to respond to our calls for collaboration,” he said.
He thanked Nigerians who stood by Aisha’s family during the ordeal but maintained that effective security requires collaboration between citizens, government, and volunteer groups like his.
Neither the Edo State Government nor the Police Command has responded to the allegations as of press time.
See full statement below:
Two weeks ago, Aisha was kidnapped at Igbira Camp, Auchi, Edo State.
Thankfully, she regained her freedom last night. Sadly, we couldn’t move in to capture her abductors because the State Security Agencies and the Edo State Government have repeatedly failed to respond to our calls for collaboration.
It should be on record that Aisha was kidnapped at Igbira Camp, Auchi, and released last night in Okpella, Edo State. Those familiar with the area can attest to the long distance between Auchi and Okpella — a journey the victim was forced to trek alongside her abductors.
Certain technical equipment required for our rescue operations can only be deployed with official authorization. Unfortunately, despite repeated efforts to reach the Edo State Government and the Commissioner of Police, we have been unable to get their response.
We’ve now had to withdraw and return to our own base — a State where we have full support from the Police, Military, and Government to operate effectively.
To everyone who stood by Aisha’s family during this difficult time, thank you sincerely.
This is another reminder that security requires partnership — between citizens, Government, and volunteers like us. We remain ready to assist, but we cannot do it alone.
We need Government backing and public support to continue saving lives.
Enough talk — take action now.
There are several proven avenues to capture these kidnappers. We demand immediate Government intervention, coordinated field operations, and full support for law enforcement. Lives are at stake.
Harrison Gwamnishu
Safe City Volunteer Foundation
