A wave of fear has gripped Edo State after kidnappers abducted at least ten passengers along the Benin–Sobe–Akure Road on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
The civic tech accountability group, MonITNG, raised the alarm in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), titled “KIDNAPPING ALERT IN EDO STATE!” The group urged Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the victims and restore peace on Edo highways.
According to MonITNG, the attack occurred near the NIFOR area close to the Aso-Rock Police Checkpoint. Victims reportedly included Mr. John Odion, from Ogute-Emai in Owan East Local Government Area, and Miss Ayeni Joy.
The organization revealed that about ten passengers traveling from Sabo-Gidda Ora in Owan West to Benin City were kidnapped. However, the driver and two breastfeeding mothers were later released by the abductors.
MonITNG said Odion, who could not find a vehicle from Afuze to Benin, joined the ill-fated trip on a commercial motorcycle before being kidnapped.
“The kidnappers initially demanded ₦20 million ransom, but negotiations are ongoing. They have now reduced the demand to ₦10 million for his release,” MonITNG stated.
It also confirmed that Miss Ayeni Joy was abducted in a similar incident while returning from Afuze. Her captors reportedly demanded ₦20 million for her freedom.
The group condemned the worsening insecurity in Edo State, warning that “innocent citizens now live in fear of abduction.”
It called on the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups to launch an urgent rescue mission and secure the affected areas.
“This situation demands urgent intervention and a visible security presence to prevent further kidnappings. Edo must not become a haven for abductors,” the group warned.
MonITNG ended its statement with a passionate appeal:
“This is a call for justice, action, and humanity. The government must rise to its duty to protect lives, rescue victims, and restore peace.”
The post was accompanied by hashtags such as #SecureEdo, #EndKidnapping, and mentions of security agencies including @PoliceNG, @EdoPoliceNG, and @HQNigerianArmy.
This latest incident comes just days after Wahab Aisha, a woman kidnapped at Igbira Camp in Auchi, regained her freedom. Activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who confirmed her release, accused the Edo State government and security agencies of failing to assist in rescue operations.
“We couldn’t move in to capture her abductors because the authorities ignored our calls for collaboration,” Gwamnishu said.
He revealed that Aisha was released in Okpella, miles from where she was abducted, after being forced to trek through forests with her captors.
As tension mounts, residents are demanding urgent government action to curb what many describe as a “frightening resurgence” of kidnapping in the state.