Suspected kidnappers kill young man, abduct woman in Edo

A young man identified as Christopher has been shot dead in Auchi, Edo State, during an attack by suspected kidnappers who also abducted his female companion.

The incident occurred on Monday, April 20, 2026, in the Igbira Camp area, near a fertilizer depot and close to a military checkpoint.

According to eyewitness accounts, the victims were riding on a motorcycle when armed men intercepted them. The attackers, believed to be kidnappers, reportedly confronted the pair and attempted to force them away.

Christopher was said to have resisted the attack in an attempt to protect himself and the woman. He was shot during the struggle and later died after being taken to a nearby medical facility.

The armed men fled the scene with the woman, whose identity has not yet been confirmed.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident. Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said witnesses reported that the attackers were dressed in military-style camouflage, though their identities remain unverified.

“I am not saying they are soldiers, but witnesses said they wore army camouflage. The young man was shot and rushed to a health facility, where he was later confirmed dead,” she said.

She added that efforts are ongoing to track down the suspects and rescue the abducted woman.