Edo Kidnappings: Gunmen Abduct Police Inspector, Student, Three Others as Akoko-Edo Enforces Curfew

Ransom demand of ₦100m reported as residents face rising wave of abductions in Akoko-Edo and Auchi

Fresh fear has gripped communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State after gunmen kidnapped at least five people, including a police inspector, in separate attacks that have deepened anxiety over rising insecurity in the area.

Residents say the frequency of abductions has become so alarming that local authorities and traditional rulers imposed a daily curfew from 9:00pm to 6:00am in a bid to curb the violence.

Two of the victims — Tope Oriloye, a secondary school student, and Samuel Ilesanmi — were seized at the Makeke Primary Health Centre on February 8. Ilesanmi had reportedly taken his sick son to the facility with his wife when the attackers struck.

In a separate incident in Auchi, gunmen stormed the residence of Police Inspector Segun Obanowa, said to be from Uma/Imoga in Akoko-Edo, and abducted him alongside his wife and daughter. His wife was later released, reportedly to source ransom for the release of her husband and child.

₦100 Million Ransom Demand

Bode Ekundayo, National Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, said the kidnappers who took Oriloye and Ilesanmi had contacted their families and demanded ₦100 million for their release.

“Daring kidnappers struck again in Akoko Edo, this time at Makeke village, less than a kilometre from Ososo in the eastern part of Akoko Edo, taking away a secondary school female student, Tope Oriloye and Samuel Ilesanmi on February 8, at the community health centre,” he said in a statement issued in Benin.

“In a similar operation in Auchi, kidnappers invaded the residence of Police Inspector, Segun Obanowa from Uma/Imoga in Akoko Edo and kidnapped him, his wife and daughter, later releasing his wife to go look for ransom to free her husband and daughter.”

Police Confirm Incidents

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the abductions, adding to growing concern among residents who say fear now defines daily life in the area.

Community leaders have urged security agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence efforts as families of the victims await further contact from the kidnappers.