Gunmen Abduct 12-Year-Old Girl Returning from Farm in Edo, Demand ₦5 Million Ransom

Tension has gripped the Ayogwiri community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State after gunmen abducted a 12-year-old girl who was returning from the farm with her mother and other women.

Sources told Daily Post that the attackers struck on Friday, October 10, 2025, assaulting the women before seizing the young girl. Two of the women reportedly sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.

According to reports, the kidnappers later released the girl’s mother but are demanding ₦5 million ransom from the family.

Local youths, vigilantes, and hunters have since launched a manhunt in nearby forests to rescue the victim.

Confirming the abduction, the Ayogwiri Osiregbemeh Union (AOU) condemned the attack, describing it as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”

In a statement signed by the Union’s Board of Trustees chairman, Vincent Ozemoya, the community expressed outrage over the incident and called on security agencies to take immediate action.

“Our daughter was abducted by the marauders while our women were brutally assaulted. We call on all relevant security agencies to rid our farms and forests of these evil elements,” Ozemoya said.

He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe return of the abducted girl.

The incident has once again highlighted rising insecurity in rural communities across Nigeria, where kidnappings and attacks on farmers continue to disrupt livelihoods and spread fear.