Gunmen Abduct Police Officer, Others In Edo.

 

Five people, including a police officer, were kidnapped in two separate attacks in Akoko Edo, Edo North Senatorial District of Edo State, on February 8. 

The incidents took place at different locations, raising fear among residents as reports suggest kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for two of the victims.

The first attack occurred at Makeke Community Health Centre, where gunmen took a female secondary school student, Tope Oriloye, and Samuel Ilesanmi, who had gone to the facility with his sick son and wife. 

Families of the victims were later contacted by the abductors, who demanded ₦100 million for their release.

In a separate incident in Auchi, kidnappers attacked the home of Police Inspector Segun Obanowa from Uma/Imoga in Akoko Edo, abducting him along with his wife and daughter. 

The officer’s wife was later released to arrange payment for the release of her husband and child.

Local hunters and community vigilantes quickly searched nearby forests and villages for the victims, but their efforts were unsuccessful. 

The kidnappers reportedly called on February 9, asking for ₦100 million to negotiate the release of Tope Oriloye and Samuel Ilesanmi. 

Observers note that such high ransom demands have become a repeated pattern in the area.

The Edo State Government and Akoko Edo Local Government have been urged to address the rising security risks. 

Concerns have been raised that continued inaction could lead to a more serious security crisis, especially as armed groups from neighboring Benue and Kwara States move into Edo.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the Makeke kidnapping and said suspects have been arrested. Police investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on safely rescuing the abducted individuals.