The Edo State Police Command has uncovered the bodies of two women who were abducted from Iyowa community despite a ransom payment of ₦11 million and other valuables made by their families in a desperate effort to secure their release. The discovery has deepened grief across the affected community and reignited concerns over the growing wave of kidnapping incidents in parts of the state.
The incident occurred on May 9 when armed men invaded Iyowa community and forcefully abducted three women, including 66 year old Favour Nosakhare. The attackers reportedly arrived in large numbers, carrying weapons and operating with precision before whisking their victims into nearby forest terrain. The sudden attack threw residents into panic as families immediately raised alarm and began efforts to contact security agencies.
As pressure mounted, the abductors reportedly demanded a ransom for the release of the victims. In a bid to save their loved ones, the families of the victims managed to gather and pay a total of ₦11 million along with other items as requested by the kidnappers. Despite the payment, the situation took a devastating turn when communication with the abductors ceased and the victims were not released.
Following sustained search efforts by security operatives, the Edo State Police Command intensified intelligence driven operations aimed at tracking down the kidnappers. The breakthrough came after one of the suspects, identified as Musa Haruna, was arrested during a coordinated raid on a suspected criminal hideout. The operation reportedly involved a confrontation between police officers and members of the kidnapping syndicate, during which weapons and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities were recovered.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to involvement in the abduction and led police operatives to a forest location in Ogwa where the victims had been buried in shallow graves. Police authorities confirmed that the remains of Favour Nosakhare and one other abducted woman were exhumed from the site. The third victim’s condition was not immediately clarified at the time of reporting.
Security sources described the recovery as both a breakthrough and a heartbreaking outcome, as it confirmed fears that the victims may not have survived despite ongoing ransom negotiations. The discovery has left families devastated, particularly after making significant financial sacrifices in hopes of securing the safe return of their loved ones.
The Edo State Police Command stated that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates operating within forest corridors across the state. Authorities explained that criminal groups often use remote forest areas as hideouts to conceal victims and evade detection. The police further noted that new strategies involving intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and drone monitoring are being deployed to improve response time and tracking capabilities.
In recent years, kidnapping for ransom has become a persistent security challenge in several parts of Nigeria, including Edo State. Rural communities and highways have remained particularly vulnerable due to limited security presence and difficult terrain that provides cover for criminal elements. Residents of Iyowa community and surrounding areas have repeatedly called for increased patrols and stronger protection measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Community members described the incident as one of the most painful experiences in recent memory, noting that the victims were well known and respected in the area. The shock of discovering that ransom payment did not guarantee their safety has further heightened fear among families who may now be uncertain about engaging with kidnappers in future incidents.
Security analysts have continued to emphasize the need for a multi layered approach to tackling kidnapping, including improved intelligence sharing, faster deployment of tactical teams, and greater investment in surveillance infrastructure. They argue that criminal networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often operating across state boundaries and exploiting weak points in rural security coverage.
The Edo State Police Command has assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track and arrest remaining members of the syndicate responsible for the crime. Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice, stating that the use of technology and coordinated intelligence operations will be expanded to cover more high risk areas.
Meanwhile, the affected families and the Iyowa community remain in mourning as they come to terms with the loss. Local leaders have called for calm while urging security agencies to intensify operations to prevent further attacks. The tragic outcome has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger security interventions in vulnerable communities across the region.
As investigations continue, police say further updates will be provided as more suspects are apprehended and more details emerge about the full network behind the kidnapping operation.
The incident stands as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by kidnapping syndicates and the urgent need for sustained security reforms to protect lives and restore public confidence.
