Rising kidnapping incidents in Igarra force a 9pm-6am curfew, restricting night events. Police and traditional rulers vow rescue and enhanced security measures.
Rising insecurity in Edo State has once again drawn attention to the persistent threat of kidnapping, this time in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
In response to the escalating fear among residents, the community has imposed a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., while all night burial dances are now restricted to a short period between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The new measures were introduced following the shocking abduction of the wife of Ubani Okuo, the chairman of a local youth group.
The woman was kidnapped on Tuesday night as she returned home from her shop, sparking panic and unease throughout the town. Residents expressed fear that similar incidents could occur if preventive measures were not enforced.
This latest incident came barely a day after seven indigenes of Imoga Community, also in Akoko-Edo, were released by kidnappers.
The victims were freed on Monday evening after their families reportedly paid an undisclosed ransom.
The back-to-back nature of these abductions has heightened anxiety across Igarra and neighbouring communities, leading traditional rulers and local authorities to take immediate action.
A town crier, deployed by the traditional ruler, recently announced that a young girl had been kidnapped in another part of Igarra a few days earlier and remained in captivity.
The sequence of events suggests that criminal gangs may be operating with increasing boldness, potentially blending into the community before carrying out their operations under the cover of darkness.
HRH Oba Adeche Saiki, the paramount ruler of the Igarra/Akuku Clan, confirmed the seriousness of the situation.
“It is true,” he said, “we suspect that these bad people now stay among us and may even be drinking with our people before carrying out their acts at night.
“The curfew is a joint decision between the local government chairman, the police, and the traditional institution. It is expected to be implemented throughout the local government area.”
The imposition of the curfew and the restriction of night events are meant to curb the rising trend of kidnapping while providing a window for security operatives to intensify their efforts.
Residents are being urged to comply with the restrictions, and the local government has assured the community that additional patrols and checkpoints will be deployed to enforce safety measures.
Confirming the latest abduction, Edo State Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Eno Ikoedem, stated that the police received a report of the suspected kidnapping and immediately mobilized officers in the area.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered Divisional Police Officers to work closely with traditional rulers and local authorities to rescue the victims,” Ikoedem said.
“We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that those responsible are apprehended swiftly.”
Community leaders and security officials are now working together to strengthen surveillance and encourage residents to report any suspicious activities.
The collaboration between the Edo State Police, local hunters, and the traditional institutions in Akoko-Edo is seen as a critical step in tackling the problem of kidnapping and restoring public confidence.
Local residents, meanwhile, are living in heightened fear as they adjust to the new regulations.
Shops are now closing earlier, and social events have been significantly reduced to avoid potential exposure to criminal elements.
Parents have also become more cautious about allowing children to move around after sunset, reflecting the profound impact of the recent abduction cases on the day-to-day life of the community.
Security experts note that the trend of kidnapping in parts of Edo State is part of a wider regional challenge, where criminals exploit gaps in community vigilance and law enforcement.
They stress the importance of combined efforts between police, local authorities, and community members to prevent further incidents and ensure prompt rescue operations.
