Fresh Wave of Kidnappings Sparks Fear Across Edo Communities

Edo State is reeling under a renewed wave of kidnappings, with residents, travellers, and motorists gripped by fear as ransom-seeking abductors tighten their hold on major highways and communities.

68 days in captivity: Seminarians still held
Two students abducted on July 10 from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode in Etsako East LGA, remain in captivity nearly 10 weeks later. In a recently released video, their captors forced them to display what appeared to be a human skull while demanding ransom for their release.

143 days: Labour Party ward chair still missing
Similarly, Labour Party ward chairman in Akoko-Edo, Asime Olowojoba, has been held for 143 days despite his family paying N5 million to secure his release. He was kidnapped on April 26 while travelling along the Auchi–Benin–Ibillo Road to pick up his children. Initially taken with his kids and housekeeper, the captors later freed the others but kept him.
The abductors had reduced their demand from N50 million to N30 million before collecting N5 million and valuables. “After we delivered the money, they called again three days later demanding the balance. Since then, communication was cut off,” a family source revealed.

Escalating attacks
Reports show that kidnappers have shifted their operations from neighbouring Delta, Ondo, and Kogi States into Edo, exploiting its porous borders. The once relatively safe Benin–Ifon axis has turned deadly, with recent cases involving the abduction of passengers in buses and private cars. Victims’ families allegedly paid about N60 million to secure their release.

Checkpoints vacated, fear spreads
The withdrawal of soldiers from long-standing checkpoints in Sobe, along the Benin–Ifon–Auchi corridor, has further heightened anxiety. Travellers now fear navigating the bad stretches of the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja–Abuja Road, which attackers exploit.

Lawmakers raise alarm
At the Edo State House of Assembly, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku urged security agencies to intensify patrols using the over 100 vehicles recently provided by Governor Monday Okpebholo. He stressed that poor road conditions were aiding kidnappers, citing a recent bus attack at a bad road spot.
Hon. Kingsley Ugabi of Etsako East lamented that the crisis has forced farmers to abandon their farms, warning of dire consequences for food security.

Joint efforts and new measures
Police spokesman Moses Yamu disclosed fresh deployments and joint patrols with Kogi State to combat cross-border abductions. He said recent bush-combing operations had been conducted in Okpella and Ibillo but urged residents to share intelligence with security forces: “Security for all is the responsibility of all.”

Governor Okpebholo has also approved the purchase of thermal drones and advanced surveillance gadgets to aid security forces.

Meanwhile, Army spokesperson Captain Chinonso Oteh dismissed fears that soldiers had abandoned checkpoints. He explained: “Sometimes, we re-evaluate our operations. Whatever adjustments we make are in the best interest of Edo people and road users. We urge the public to cooperate and provide information.”

Opinion Nigeria News