Benin City, Nigeria – In a fresh wave of violence, 18 persons, including Miss Kate Ojeaburu, a staff member of the Edo State Ministry of Health, were kidnapped yesterday evening, the 25th of October, along the Benin-Akure Road, leaving families in panic as the police remain unresponsive to distress calls, _Standard Daily Press_ gathered.
The incident, occurring amid a surge in kidnappings across Edo State, highlights the escalating insecurity plaguing the region. Eyewitnesses report that the victims were abducted by armed men who blocked the highway, with no immediate response from security agencies despite repeated alerts sent to the police.
Kidnapping Crisis in Edo State: A Growing Threat
Edo State has become a hotspot for kidnappings, with recent cases sparking fear among residents and travelers. In February 2025, the Edo State Assembly passed a law imposing the death penalty for kidnapping, a move aimed at curbing the menace. However, abductions continue unabated.
– Recent Cases:
– In July 2025, police rescued 31 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Taraba and Edo states.
– In September 2025, tensions soared as kidnappers laid siege to Edo, targeting highways and establishments, with seminarians held captive for 68 days and a Labour Party ward chair, Asime Olowojoba, still held 143 days post-kidnap despite ransom payments.
– Governor Monday Okpebholo has responded by ordering the demolition of houses linked to cultists and kidnappers, and deploying drones to track criminals.
The Benin-Akure Kidnap: A Community in Fear
Details of yesterday’s abduction remain sketchy, but sources confirm that Miss Ojeaburu from Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area and 17 others were taken at gunpoint along a stretch notorious for insecurity. Despite messages and calls to the police, no official response or rescue operation has been launched as of press time.
Residents blame the suspension of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) for emboldening criminals. “The absence of ESSN has severely impacted security; the police alone can’t handle the population,” said Omobude Agho, a civil society leader.
Government and Police Response: A Call for Action
Governor Okpebholo has vowed to tackle insecurity, but critics argue more decisive action is needed. The police have yet to comment on the latest abduction or address growing public frustration over delayed responses.
As kidnappings disrupt lives, lawmakers urge community policing and swift intervention. “The roads must be safe; we won’t tolerate this,” said Speaker Blessing Agbebaku.
Appeal to Authorities
Families of the victims and the community demand immediate police action. “We sent messages, no response. We need the government to act now,” a relative of one victim pleaded.
The spate of kidnappings underscores Nigeria’s broader security challenges, with abductions for ransom increasingly targeting civilians across states.
Follow-up Questions:What is the current status of negotiations with the kidnappers? Has Governor Okpebholo’s administration announced a plan to bolster security along major highways like Benin-Akure Road?
