Insecurity: Kidnappers Abduct 10 Passengers in Edo, Demand ₦20m
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Acivic tech accountability group, MonITNG, has raised the alarm over the worsening wave of kidnappings along Edo State highways, calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to urgently intervene.
The organisation made the call in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), titled “KIDNAPPING ALERT IN EDO STATE!”
MonITNG expressed deep concern over what it described as “the growing wave of insecurity in Edo State, as families are thrown into pain and fear.”
According to the post, “Two individuals, Mr. John Odion from Ogute-Emai, Owan East LGA, and Miss Ayeni Joy, are among the victims of the kidnapping incident that occurred on Saturday, October 25, 2025, around the NIFOR area near Aso-Rock Police Checkpoint, along the Benin–Sobe–Akure Road.”
The platform disclosed that about ten passengers travelling from Sabo-Gidda Ora in Owan West Local Government Area to Benin City were abducted by gunmen, while “the driver and two breastfeeding mothers were released.”
Providing further details, MonITNG stated that “Mr. Odion, who could not find a vehicle from Afuze to Benin, took a bike to Sabo and joined the ill-fated journey where he was kidnapped alongside others.”
It added that “the kidnappers initially demanded ₦20 million ransom, but negotiations are ongoing and they are now asking for ₦10 million for his release.”
The group also reported that “Miss Ayeni Joy was kidnapped around the same location while returning from Afuze,” noting that the abductors had demanded “₦20 million ransom for her freedom.”
The Civic tech group said these incidents “have once again exposed the frightening state of insecurity on highways, where innocent citizens live in fear of abduction.”
MonITNG appealed to the Edo State Government, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups to “act swiftly and decisively to secure the release of these victims and restore safety along the Benin–Sobe–Akure corridor.”
It warned that the situation demanded “urgent intervention and visible security presence to prevent further abductions.”
Sahara Reporters
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