A fresh wave of insecurity has unsettled residents of Edo Local Government Area in Edo State following the abduction of five individuals in two separate attacks.
Among those taken was a serving police officer, a development that has heightened anxiety across the community.
The incidents have reinforced fears that kidnappers are operating with increasing boldness in the area, leaving many locals worried about their safety and daily movements.
The escalating wave of Akoko Edo kidnapping has prompted local authorities and traditional rulers to impose a nightly curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., aiming to curb the attacks.
The first incident occurred at the Makeke Primary Health Centre on February 8, when gunmen abducted Tope Oriloye, a female secondary school student, and Samuel Ilesanmi, a concerned father who had rushed his son to the health centre accompanied by his wife.
According to sources, the abductors struck swiftly, leaving community members in shock and fear.
A second abduction took place in Auchi at the residence of Police Inspector Segun Obanowa, a native of Uma/Imoga in Akoko Edo.
The attackers kidnapped Obanowa, his wife, and daughter in a brazen operation.
The police officer’s wife was later released to arrange for a ransom, while her husband and daughter remained in the captors’ custody.
The daring nature of these attacks has intensified calls for immediate government intervention to restore Edo State security.
In a statement issued in Benin City, the National Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Bode Ekundayo, confirmed that the kidnappers had already contacted the families of Tope Oriloye and Samuel Ilesanmi.
A ransom demand of N100 million was made for the release of both victims, underscoring a worrying pattern in Akoko Edo kidnapping operations.
Ekundayo explained, “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 at the community health centre.
“In a similar operation in Auchi, kidnappers invaded the residence of Police Inspector Segun Obanowa and abducted him, his wife, and daughter, later releasing his wife to arrange for ransom.”
The statement further revealed that hunters and local vigilante groups mobilised immediately after the abductions, combing the surrounding bushes from the time of the attacks until the early hours of the following day.
Despite their efforts, they were unable to trace the kidnappers or rescue the victims.
Ekundayo emphasised the growing trend, noting, “The kidnappers called on the evening of February 9, demanding N100 million for Tope Oriloye and Samuel Ilesanmi.
“This level of ransom demand has become increasingly common, reflecting a dangerous trend in Akoko Edo kidnapping.”
Residents of Makeke village and other parts of Akoko Edo are reportedly living in fear, with daily activities severely disrupted.
Business owners and community members have expressed concern over the frequent abductions, saying the insecurity is affecting the local economy and general peace of mind.
Security experts have warned that the continued rise in Akoko Edo kidnapping could escalate if proactive measures are not taken.
They urged the Edo State government and Akoko Edo council authorities to strengthen policing, improve intelligence gathering, and engage local vigilante groups more effectively.
The incident involving the police officer has drawn particular attention to the risk faced even by law enforcement personnel.
“The fact that a police officer could be abducted in his own home highlights the brazen nature of these kidnappers and the urgent need for enhanced Edo State security measures,” said a security analyst in Benin City.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed both incidents and stated that investigations are ongoing.
Authorities have pledged to work with community leaders and vigilante groups to track the abductors and secure the release of all victims.
Meanwhile, families affected by the kidnappings continue to negotiate with the kidnappers under the looming threat of escalating ransom demands.
The growing prevalence of abductions in Makeke village and surrounding areas has also sparked calls for government intervention at both state and federal levels.
Community leaders have urged the establishment of rapid response units and better coordination with local vigilante groups to prevent further incidents.
Ireport247news
About The Author
