Legendary Benin musician, social critic and cultural icon, Osayomore Joseph, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Tuesday night, the police have confirmed.
The incident happened at his residence at Orovie Village, Benin City, the Edo State capital, after performing at the Oba of Benin coronation anniversary.
His wife was reportedly by the abductors.
A former Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) chairman, Maleke Idowu, said Joseph, who was not feeling too well, was taken away in a motorcycle.
Maleke added that his victim’s wife is currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds in a hospital in Benin.
Edo Police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, said they received a report about the incident at about 11 pm
Nkombe said security operatives have been drafted to hot spots across the state to smoke out the gunmen.
He assured that the police would do their best to secure Osayomore’s release.
With almost 50 years on the scene and over 104 songs to his name, Joseph is an icon in Edo State.
Highly respected in the Benin royal circle, he leads the Ulele Power Sound and has hits like
His hit tracks include ‘Ororo Nor Dey Fade’, ‘Baba Na Wa’, ‘Leave Us Alone’, ‘Evil Days Postponed’ and ‘Waka Waka’.
He is often regarded as the Fela of Benin City.
