Gunmen abduct nine Edo family members, demand N260m ransom

Gunmen have abducted nine members of the same family along the Benin–Akure Road in Edo State and are demanding N260 million for their release.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, along the Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road in Evboneka community as the victims were returning from school.

Head of the family, Festus Bamidele, said the abductors later released a nursing mother and her infant during a heavy downpour on the day of the attack. The family only realized what had happened when the woman returned home with the baby.

Bamidele said three other children in pre-kindergarten were subsequently rescued by local vigilantes and police operatives.

Four family members — aged between 11 and 26 — remain in captivity. Those still held include Bamidele’s children, his younger sister and his sister-in-law.

“The kidnappers have contacted us and are demanding N260 million ransom,” he said.

Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident. She said officers from the Ekiadolor Division engaged the gunmen in a shootout during a rescue attempt.

According to her, five victims were rescued unhurt, while the kidnappers fled with four others.

Ikoedem said police, working with hunters and vigilantes, have launched a bush-combing operation to locate the abductors and secure the release of those still missing.

She added that the effort is part of wider operations targeting criminal groups across the state.