Gunmen Abduct Nine Edo Family Members, Demand N260m Ransom

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted nine family members, including a nursing mother and several children, along the Benin-Akure road in Edo State. The victims were seized on Monday, February 2, 2026, along the Eko-Abeku-Iyowa road in the Evboneka community.

The head of the family, Festus Bamidel, was later released along with the nursing mother and an infant after a downpour. However, four victims, including children, a younger sister, and a sister-in-law, remain captive.

The abductors have demanded a N260 million ransom for their release. The Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and stated that a rescue operation was conducted by the police, resulting in the safe rescue of five victims.

Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining captives, with a focus on dismantling criminal networks in the state.