By Ozioruva Aliu
BENIN CITY – GUNMEN suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted nine family members, including a nursing mother and five other children, in Edo State.
The police said they have arrested two suspected kidnappers along the Igarra – Ibillo road in the Akoko-Edo local government area of the state.
The kidnapped victims were said to include a nursing mother, six children, including a small baby and her two younger sisters and they were reportedly abducted at Eko-Abeku-Iyowa road, within Evboneka community along the Benin-Akure road, at about 5 pm while returning from school, on Monday.
The Head of the family, Festus Bamidele, yesterday, said the abductors released the nursing mother and her small baby due to a heavy rainfall on the fateful day and that the family learnt about the incident when the nursing mother and the baby got home.
He disclosed that while three other victims of pre-kg classes were later rescued by vigilante men and police operatives at Evboneka community, four others, who are between the ages of 11 and 26 years, were still being held captive by the kidnappers.
He said the kidnappers have contacted the family and are demanding the sum of ₦260 million ransom.
When contacted, the State Police Command Spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and 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.
Meanwhile, the police said they have arrested two suspected kidnappers while on patrol along the Auchi–Igarra Highway, Edo North.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ikoedem said the suspects were identified by a vigilante member as members of a kidnapping syndicate.
The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded significant successes in the fight against kidnapping through proactive patrols and sustained intelligence-led operations in Igarra and its environs, in line with the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc.
“On 28 January 2026 at about 13:30hrs, operatives of the Igarra Area Command, while on duty at their traditional nipping point along the Auchi–Igarra Highway, arrested two suspected kidnappers identified as Muhammed Muamadu Haru ‘M’, aged 35 years, and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna ‘M’, aged 25 years.
“The suspects were identified by a vigilante member, as members of a kidnapping syndicate during exchange of fire in one of the joint Bush Combing rescue operations.
“Upon recognition, the suspects, attempted to escape into the bush but were quickly intercepted and arrested. Investigation is still in progress.
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