Kidnapping For Ransom: Is Edo Now A Hub For Criminal Business? Who Are Those Aiding The Business?

By Eben Enasco

Edo State, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant economy, is now grappling with a disturbing trend called kidnapping for ransom.

Despite successive governments’ measures to annihilate criminal operations in the state, Edo State has become a hotspot for all forms of criminal activities, with frequent reports of abductions and ransom demands.

The situation is dire, with some communities forced to pay hefty ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones.

Most victims are usually from the poor or average family homes. Recently, two suspected kidnappers, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, confessed to collecting N10 million ransom from their last operation before being arrested.

They revealed that their gang had been involved in several kidnapping cases in Edo Central Senatorial District of the state, targeting victims who drove luxury cars.

In Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, residents paid N10 million ransom, plus jollof rice and drinks, to free two abducted villagers.

The kidnappers, who had allegedly trekked for over 24 hours to reach their hideout in Edo State, demanded a ransom, threatening to kill the victims if their demands were not met.

John Odion from Ogute-Emai, Owan East Local Government Area, and Ayeni Joy were among the victims of the kidnapping incident that occurred on Saturday, October 25, 2025, around the NIFOR area near the Aso-Rock Police Checkpoint, along the Benin-Sobe-Akure Road.

Odion, who had been unable to secure a vehicle from Afuze to Benin, had taken a bike to Sabo and boarded a vehicle, unaware that it would become a tragic journey.

He was kidnapped alongside other passengers, leaving families and loved ones in distress.

A case of survival recorded a few days ago is that of Wahab Aisha, who was kidnapped two weeks ago at Igbira Camp in Auchi, Edo State.

Despite regaining her freedom, controversy surrounded the alleged refusal of Edo State authorities and the Nigerian police to support external rescue efforts.

Aisha’s release was confirmed on Saturday by an activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, who expressed both relief and frustration over what he described as the government’s failure to collaborate in the rescue mission.

The alarm over the worsening wave of kidnappings along Edo highways, is a call on Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to urgently intervene.

An NGO platform disclosed that about ten passengers travelling from Sabo-Gidda Ora in Owan West Local Government Area to Benin City were abducted by gunmen, while “the driver and two breastfeeding mothers were released.”

Another Innocent, Ayeni Joy was kidnapped on Monday, around 3 pm at the NIFOR area close to Aso-rock police checkpoint on the Benin-Sobe-Akure road while traveling back from Afuze.

In that incident, twelve people were taken by the kidnappers, while the driver and two breastfeeding mothers were left unharmed.

Today, the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of 20 million Naira.

Unarguably, the Benin-sobe-Akure Road is not getting funny anymore as it has become a den for operating kidnappers. 

These Kidnappers have invaded various towns and villages in Edo State, have extended their criminal operations to some parts of Benin City, in the state capital, just a few kilometers to the government house.

Residents have become worried, and lost confidence in the authority whom they now believe lack any indices or indicators to measure performance in the area of security.

It is obvious that the locals are co-conspirators in these kidnappings and could prove difficult to combat.

The Edo State Government is taking steps to combat this menace but must continue to look inward if there are elements in government feeding fat from the proceeds of the kidnapping enterprise.

As part of efforts to combat these criminals in the state, Governor Monday Okpebholo recently approved the purchase of thermal drones and high-definition drones to aid security agents in tracking down kidnappers.

The state House of Assembly has also called for urgent action to curb the menace, urging security forces to deploy more vehicles and personnel to patrol affected areas.

Despite these efforts, residents remain fearful, and the need for collective action is clear.

For the Edo State Police Command, the latest kidnapping incident occurred on Saturday, October 25, 2025, along the Benin–Akure Road between Obarenren and Odunwongie communities.

According to the Command’s press release, operatives from Ekiadolor Division allegedly “pursued the kidnappers into the forest and successfully rescued eight victims, including three children, unhurt.”

While the Police statement trended and lasted, this claim was seen by some concerned citizens in contrasting views describing it as entirely untrue and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

However, a harrowing account of the kidnapping incident has emerged, revealing a disturbing sequence of events.

The account noted that, A 14-seater Hummer Bus, driven by Francis Okeke from Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, was attacked by armed men, resulting in the abduction of 13 passengers and the driver.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the kidnappers released a breastfeeding mother, a small child, and a physically challenged man, instructing the driver to return them safely to their families.

Notably, no police rescue operation was conducted, and no victim was freed by security operatives, contrary to earlier claims.

The situation took a violent turn when the driver, Francis Okeke, was almost lynched by angry family members of the kidnapped victims, who accused him of complicity.

A Swift intervention by policemen from the Ekiadolor Division saved him from being killed, but he was subsequently detained at the Ekiadolor Police Station.

This incident highlights a disturbing pattern of misinformation, cover-up, and media propaganda by the Edo State Police Command, which erodes public trust and emboldens criminals.

Despite the Governor of Edo State’s efforts to enhance security, the situation continues to deteriorate, leaving citizens vulnerable and concerned.

The Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has made commendable efforts to improve security, procuring vehicles, motorbikes, and advanced equipment for security agencies.

However, the persistence of these issues underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and effective action to address the security challenges facing Edo State.

The state government has reportedly spent billions of naira to strengthen security operations, yet the level of insecurity, kidnapping, and armed robbery remains on the increase.

This clearly suggests a deep rot, compromise, and failure of leadership within the Edo State Police Command.

Edo state has a common problem, or, rather, a matched pair of problems. It is time for action, not press releases to convive investors that all is good.

But how do you bring in foreign investors without running into the treacherous politics of Kidnappings?

The answer, some policymakers and politicians think, starts with a rebranding, instigating hate against the previous government and building flyovers.

This once looked like an obvious solution but across the developed world, the backlash to kidnappings without a solution has grown too big for any politician to ignore in Edo State.

Politicians in Edo State must see insecurity as a dilemma: They’re facing shrinking populations and a shortage of workers, often in sectors voters really care about, like health care, because many of the medical practitioners are running away to take shelter and live a good life abroad to escape being kidnapped.

In a viral video obtained by a source, Aisha’s mother, was visibly distressed and overwhelmed with emotion, as she spoke from a dilapidated mud house.

Her living conditions painted a heartbreaking picture of poverty and helplessness. She said that she had been unable to eat or sleep since her daughter’s abduction, fearing for her safety.

In her words: “As you see me so, I cannot eat; I’m only thinking because of Aisha,” she said emotionally. They carried my daughter into the bush last week Saturday. They were demanding ₦30 million, but as we kept begging them, they reduced it to ₦20 million. I sell leaves with Aisha in the market to survive. I’m also calling on Nigerians to please come to my aid.”

The woman further explained that her daughter, Aisha, was her only source of support. Together, they sold vegetables and leaves in the local market to earn a meagre income. Now, with Aisha gone, she has been left alone and devastated.

Aisha’s sister also joined in the plea, calling on Nigerians, especially influential figures and charitable organizations, to intervene.

Imagine how many Aisha’s mothers and sisters, who could have been going through similar situations unannounced without any form of support around the state.

As Harrison Gwamnishu, founder of Safe City Volunteer Foundation, emphasized, “Lives are at stake, and we must work together to apprehend these kidnappers”.

The people of Edo State deserve to live without fear of abduction and exploitation.

If the current crop of police operatives is struggling to tackle the kidnapping challenges in the state, Governor Monday Okpebholo should conduct a thorough assessment of their operations.

This evaluation would enable him to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations that will restore peace and security to the people of Edo.

It’s time for all stakeholders – government, security agencies, and citizens – to join forces and reclaim the state from these ruthless criminal elements.