BENIN CITY — A Benin–based grassroots politician and Managing Director of JIRI Industries Nigeria Limited, Mr. George Omoregie Idehen, has reportedly been abducted by unknown gunmen.

The Edo State Command of the Nigerian Police has confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, stating that Mr. Idehen was abducted shortly after leaving a stakeholders’ meeting in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

According to the police, the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on August 2, 2025, as Idehen was returning from the meeting. His vehicle was allegedly intercepted by armed men operating in multiple vehicles, who blocked his car, forced him out at gunpoint, blindfolded him, and drove him to an unknown destination, according to eyewitnesses.

He is the Managing Director of JIRI Industries Nigeria Limited, with its corporate office located at No. 3 Imuwahen Street, G.R.A, Benin City. Until his abduction, he resided with his family at No. 6B Idehen Avenue, G.R.A, Benin City.

Investigations revealed that Idehen was deeply involved in grassroots politics in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area before his abduction. He had served as campaign manager and later as a legislative aide to his late brother, Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen, a former member of the House of Representatives.

Before his elevation to the National Assembly, the late Jude Ise-Idehen represented Ikpoba-Okha Constituency at the Edo State House of Assembly for two terms, where George Idehen also served as a senior legislative aide between 2011 and 2015, further consolidating his political influence in the constituency.

Sources close to the family disclosed that political tensions heightened following the sudden death of Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen on July 1, 2022. It was gathered that influential figures within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area were allegedly uncomfortable with George’s rising political profile after his brother’s sudden demise.

Party insiders described the development as the reason why he reportedly withdrew from active politics to concentrate on expanding his business interests.

The police statement identified his wife, Mrs. Vanessa Edoghogho Idehen, as having reported his disappearance at the office of the Edo State Police Area Command on August 3, 2025, after he failed to return home and all efforts to reach him by phone failed.

Reacting to the incident, the Acting Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Edo State, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, described the abduction as unfortunate and frightening, lamenting the worsening security situation in the country. He called on security agencies to strengthen security across the state.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police spokesman, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, said operatives of the Command have commenced investigations into the abduction and assured that no effort would be spared to secure Idehen’s immediate release.