Gunmen kidnap 4 in Edo, demand N30m ransom

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted four persons in separate attacks in Edo State, with a N30 million ransom demanded for two of the victims. The incidents occurred in Itsorkwi and Imeakabu communities in North Ibie, Etsako East Local Government Area. Two victims were kidnapped on Friday in Itsorkwi, while another two were abducted […]

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted four persons in separate attacks in Edo State, with a N30 million ransom demanded for two of the victims.

The incidents occurred in Itsorkwi and Imeakabu communities in North Ibie, Etsako East Local Government Area. Two victims were kidnapped on Friday in Itsorkwi, while another two were abducted on Saturday in neighbouring Imeakabu.

Sources said the gunmen, during the Imeakabu attack, shot a man simply identified as Raphael before abducting his wife and another person.

Residents disclosed that the abductors of the two victims in Itsorkwi have contacted the community, demanding N15 million for each victim, while those abducted in Imeakabu are yet to be contacted.

The traditional ruler of the area, the Ogieaga of Three Ibie clan, Suleiman Ali, confirmed the incidents, stating that the attackers struck Itsorkwi before moving to Imeakabu two days later.

He said security operatives, hunters and vigilantes have launched a search operation in the surrounding forests to rescue the victims.

The Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, who also confirmed the incident, said the command was aware of two cases.

“We are aware of two kidnapped persons, but only one was officially reported. Bush combing is ongoing to rescue the victims unhurt,” she said.