Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Police command has confirmed the abduction of nine family members in the state.
The victims include a nursing mother, six children, a small baby and her two younger sisters.
They were reportedly abducted at about 5 pm at Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road, within the Evboneka community, along the Benin-Akure Road, while returning from school, on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The state command Police Public Relations Officer, 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.
Speaking on the issue, 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 revealed 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 kidnappers are his children, junior sister and a sister-in-law.He said the kidnappers have contacted the family and demanded the N260 million ransom.
