Nine family members kidnapped in Edo as gunmen demand ransom
Nine members of a family were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers along the Benin-Akure Road in Edo State. Festus Bamidele, the head of the family, confirmed that a nursing mother and her infant were released shortly after the incident. Local vigilantes and police later rescued three children, but four victims remain in captivity. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N260 million for their release.
What happened
- The abduction occurred at about 5 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, along the Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road in Evboneka community.
- Festus Bamidele said the family became aware of the incident when the nursing mother and her baby returned home after being released.
- Three children in pre-kindergarten classes were rescued by local vigilantes and police operatives.
- Four victims, aged between 11 and 26, including Bamidele's children, younger sister, and sister-in-law, are still being held.
- The Edo State Police Command, led by spokesperson Eno Ikoedem, has launched a bush-combing operation with hunters and vigilantes to rescue the remaining victims.
