Kidnappers Abduct Police Officer, Daughter, Student, and Two Others in Edo State; Demand N100 Million Ransom
Suspected kidnappers have carried out two separate operations in Akoko Edo, Edo North, Edo State, abducting five individuals, including a police officer and a secondary school student. The incidents have sparked urgent calls for action from local authorities and community groups.
Details of the Abductions
According to a statement released by Bode Ekundayo, the National Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the first kidnapping occurred at the Makeke community health centre. Gunmen kidnapped Tope Oriloye, a female secondary school student, and Samuel Ilesanmi, who was at the health centre with his wife after rushing his son for medical attention.
In a separate incident, a gang of kidnappers invaded the residence of Police Inspector Segun Obanowa from Uma/Imoga in Akoko Edo. They abducted him, his wife, and his daughter. The kidnappers later released his wife, instructing her to arrange for a ransom to secure the freedom of her husband and daughter.
Ransom Demands and Community Response
The kidnappers who abducted Oriloye and Ilesanmi have contacted their families, demanding a N100 million ransom for both victims. Ekundayo noted that this trend of demanding such high sums has become increasingly common in recent kidnap negotiations.
Following the news of the kidnapping at Makeke, local hunters and vigilantes mobilised immediately. They entered the wilderness, combing the area extensively until the early hours of the next day. Despite their efforts, they were unable to locate the victims.
Calls for Government Action
Ekundayo emphasised the urgent need for intervention from the Edo State government and the Akoko Edo Local Government. He warned that the worsening security situation could escalate into more severe crises if not addressed promptly.
"We have written, warned, and passed timely information to all security agencies and the tiers of government in Edo State earlier. Or is it not yet obvious that the worsening scourge will snowball into intractable catastrophes in future? Akoko Edo is surrounded," he stated.
He also expressed concerns about gunmen from neighbouring states, such as Benue and Kwara, using Akoko Edo's vast wilderness as a gateway into Edo State.
Police Confirmation and Investigation
Eno Ikoedem, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the kidnapping incident at Makeke Village. He added that some suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.
"I can confirm to you that a kidnapping case occurred at Makeke Village in Akoko Ado Local Government in Edo North. Some suspects are in police custody and efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing," the PPRO said.
The community remains on high alert as authorities continue their efforts to rescue the abducted individuals and bring the perpetrators to justice.
