Gunmen have abducted nine family members in Edo, demanding the sum of ₦260 million as ransom.
The victims included a nursing mother, six children, including a small baby and her two younger sisters.
They were reportedly abducted about 5 pm at Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road, in the Evboneka community, on the Benin-Akure Road, while returning from school, on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The head of the family, Festus Bamidele, said the abductors released the nursing mother and her small baby after a heavy rainfall on the day.
He said the family learnt about the incident when the nursing mother and the baby got home.
He further disclosed that three other victims of pre-kg classes were later rescued by vigilante men and police operatives at the Evboneka community.
Bamidele explained that four others, who are between the ages of 11 and 26, are still being held captive by the kidnappers.
He added that among those still being held by the gunmen are his children, junior sister, and a sister-in-law.
He said the kidnappers had contacted the family and demanded ₦260 million ransom.
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Contacted, the State Police Command Spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, who confirmed the incident, said operatives of Ekiadolor Division engaged the abductors in a gun duel and successfully rescued five of the victims unhurt while four others were taken away.
“The command in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes, has launched an intensive bush combing exercise for the kidnappers with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining victims,” she said.
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