Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted several members of a single family, including children, along the Benin–Akure axis of Edo State, with the abductors reportedly demanding a ransom of ₦260 million for their release.
The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, along the Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road in the Evboneka community, as the victims were returning from school.
According to the head of the family, Festus Bamidele, nine relatives were initially taken by the attackers. However, a nursing mother and her infant were later released by the kidnappers, reportedly due to heavy rainfall shortly after the abduction.
Bamidele said the family only became aware of the incident when the woman and her baby returned home. He added that three younger children in pre-kindergarten classes were subsequently rescued through the combined efforts of local vigilantes and police operatives in the Evboneka area.
Four family members — aged between 11 and 26 — remain in captivity. Those still being held include Bamidele’s children, his younger sister, and a sister-in-law.
“The kidnappers have since contacted us and demanded ₦260 million as ransom,” Bamidele disclosed.
Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Command said officers from the Ekiadolor Division responded promptly after receiving a distress call and engaged the abductors in a gun battle.
Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said five of the victims were rescued unharmed during the operation, while four others were taken away by the fleeing kidnappers.
“The command, working with local hunters and vigilante groups, has launched an intensive bush-combing operation to track down the suspects and rescue the remaining victims,” she said, adding that efforts are ongoing.
The latest abduction adds to growing concerns over insecurity along major highways in Edo State, particularly the Benin–Akure corridor.