Family members of Mr. Okouzi Gabriel, a resident of Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, have cried out to authorities for assistance following his sudden disappearance after narrowly escaping a suspected assassination attempt.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the family disclosed that gunmen, suspected to be hired assassins, invaded Mr. Gabriel’s residence at No. 5 Idumu Street, Oshiodi/Efandion Quarters, in a bid to terminate his life.
According to them, he escaped death by a whisker but his current whereabouts remain unknown, sparking fears for his safety.
Two family representatives, Mr. Joseph Akhere and Odion John, described the situation as deeply worrisome, noting that Mr. Gabriel is the family’s breadwinner.
They alleged that the attack was politically motivated and presented still images from CCTV footage which they claimed captured the assailants during the invasion.
Lamenting the deteriorating security situation in the region, the family expressed frustration that residents can no longer sleep with their eyes closed due to the prevalence of banditry, kidnapping, and what they termed political witch-hunting.
They urgently called on the government and security agencies to intervene and help locate their missing brother.
On anonymity, a Police source stated that information from the Uromi Police Division indicated that the attack on Mr. Gabriel’s residence occurred on December 26, 2025.
The source clarified that while the residence was indeed invaded by armed men, police reports suggest Mr. Gabriel was not at home at the time of the attack.
Police investigations are currently ongoing to unmask the perpetrators behind the invasion.