Headline:Edo Family of Five Freed After Paying N15 Million Ransom to Kidnappers

A family of five abducted in Edo State has regained their freedom following the payment of a N15 million ransom, local sources confirmed.

The victims, members of the Bello family, were kidnapped on November 1, 2025, while working on their farm at Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area. They include Nurudeen Bello, Waheed Bello, Haruna Bello, Usena Bello, and Matilda Bello, aged between 10 and 25.

A local informant, speaking anonymously, said the family was taken into the bush after gunmen stormed their farm. “They went to the farm to do some work. The gunmen stormed the farm while they were working, kidnapped and took them into the bush,” the source stated.

The kidnappers initially demanded N100 million but later reduced the amount to N15 million on November 6. The ransom was reportedly paid on November 7, and the family was released the following morning, November 8. The kidnappers allegedly also demanded items including food, drinks, and hard drugs valued at N300,000.

ASP Eno Ikoedem, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, said the incident had not been officially reported to the police, and the command was therefore unaware of the kidnapping.

The case highlights ongoing security challenges in Edo State, where kidnappings have become a growing concern, particularly in rural areas.