Kidnappers demand N260m ransom for abducted nine Edo family members

Nine members of the same family have been abducted by suspected kidnappers in Edo State.

The victims include a nursing mother with her baby, five school children, and two others.

The family head, Mr Festus Bamidele, said, “They were abducted on Monday, February 2, 2026, around 5pm while returning from school.”

He added that the abductors had, however, released the nursing mother and the baby.

He said the family became aware of the incident when the nursing mother and the baby got home.

It was gathered that the vigilante and policemen in Evboneka community, had rescued three other victims.

Four others, who are between the ages of 11 and 26 years, are still being held captive by the kidnappers.

Among those still being held by the kidnappers are Bamidele’s children, junior sister and a sister-in-law.

He said the kidnappers have contacted the family and demanded N260 million ransom.

Bamidele appealed to security agencies and the state government to come to his aid by ensuring that the victims are rescued unhurt.

He equally appealed to the kidnappers to kindly release the victims, saying N260 million is impossible for him to raise.

Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said operatives of the Ekiadolor Police Division engaged the suspects in a gun duel and successfully rescued five of the victims unhurt while four persons were taken away.

“The command in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes, has launched an intensive bush combing exercise for the kidnappers with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining victims,” she added.