Kidnapped school pupils regain freedom after N15m ransom

Four members of a family of nine abducted by gunmen in Edo State have regained their freedom following the payment of a N15 million ransom. The father of the victims, Mr. Festus Bamidele, disclosed that they were released on February 9, 2026, after spending eight days in captivity. It will be recalled that the nine […]

Four members of a family of nine abducted by gunmen in Edo State have regained their freedom following the payment of a N15 million ransom.

The father of the victims, Mr. Festus Bamidele, disclosed that they were released on February 9, 2026, after spending eight days in captivity.

It will be recalled that the nine family members—including school children, a nursing mother, and her baby—were kidnapped on February 2, 2026, while returning from school along the Evboneka community on the Benin-Akure road.

The kidnappers initially released five of the victims but held four others, including students between the ages of 11 and 26, in captivity. The gunmen later contacted the family to demand a N260 million ransom.

Announcing their release, Mr. Bamidele said the family eventually paid N15 million and spent an additional N250,000 to purchase undisclosed items demanded by the abductors.

Bamidele noted that his children were freed alongside other victims kidnapped from the Ukhunwmun community, following the payment of various ransoms. 

Records indicate that the victims from the Ukhunwmun community had been abducted separately on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident but remained silent regarding the payment of ransom.