Fear and sorrow have gripped Obaretin Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State after kidnappers killed two people in a fresh attack. In Ologbo, another victim was abducted, while residents of Iyanomo and PRESCO have also come under repeated threats. For many locals, the nightmare feels endless.
What makes the situation worse is the sense of abandonment. Villagers say the government has turned a blind eye, leaving them to cry daily for help that never comes. Families are now forced to live with constant fear, unsure who might be the next victim of these heartless attacks.
Security observers blame the worsening crisis on poor coordination between the state government and security agencies. Others argue that Edo’s leadership lacks clear policy direction, making communities vulnerable to bandits who operate without resistance.
A sore point for many remains Governor Okpebholo’s decision to dismantle the surveillance and response infrastructure put in place by the previous administration. That system once allowed for real-time monitoring of criminal activity across the state, but its absence has left residents exposed. Critics say politics should never be placed above the safety of human lives.
As kidnappers continue to snatch lives and loved ones, the people of Edo are making one desperate plea: the government must wake up, act decisively, and rescue its citizens from the grip of these ruthless gangs.
