Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Edo State Chapter, has called for the unconditional release of its chairman Abdul-Hammid Egele.

Mr Egele, popularly known as Baba Petrol, was abducted on Monday evening at his residence in Jattu, Etsako area of the state.

IPMAN, in a statement signed on Wednesday by its secretary Angelina Aigbokhai charged the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Army to ensure Mr Egele’s unconditional release.

“The abduction which is seen as planned and orchestrated by enemies of Nigeria,” IPMAN alleged.

“The association, therefore, calls on the Inspector- General of Police, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Nigeria Army, and other relevant authorities to ensure the release of our chairman unhurt,” it added.

The gunmen, according to the police in Edo also shot and wounded the second driver and security operative attached to Mr Egele. 

Expressing worry over the manner its chairman was abducted, IPMAN said it “will not take this as a joke but as an attack on the entire body which will be highly resisted.”

The association also sympathised with the family of the driver that was killed in the attack and those of the gallant officers of the Nigeria Police who were shot and injured during their gun duel with the gunmen.

(NAN)