Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted nine members of a family, including a nursing mother and six children, in Edo State, authorities have confirmed.
The victims were reportedly seized along the Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road within Evboneka community, on the Benin-Akure Road, at about 5:00 pm on Monday, while returning from school.
Speaking on Tuesday, the head of the family, Festus Bamidele, said the abductors later released the nursing mother and her baby due to heavy rainfall on the day of the incident.
He said the family became aware of the abduction when the woman and child returned home.
Bamidele added that three other children in pre-kindergarten classes were later rescued by vigilante members and police operatives in the community.
However, four victims aged between 11 and 26 years are still being held.
He said the kidnappers have contacted the family and are demanding ₦260 million as ransom.
Confirming the incident, Edo State Police Command spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said operatives of the Ekiadolor Division engaged the abductors in a gun duel and rescued five victims unhurt, while four others were taken away.
In a separate development, the police announced the arrest of two suspected kidnappers along the Auchi–Igarra Highway in Edo North.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ikoedem said the suspects were arrested during patrol operations by the Igarra Area Command.
The suspects were identified as Muhammed Muamadu Haru (35) and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna (25).
According to the police, a vigilante member identified them as part of a kidnapping syndicate during a joint rescue operation.
Police said the suspects attempted to escape into the bush but were intercepted and arrested, adding that investigations are ongoing.
