Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted nine members of the same family, including a nursing mother and several children, along the Benin-Akure Road in Edo State.
The victims were reportedly seized at about 5 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, along the Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road in Evboneka community while returning home from school.
Head of the family, Festus Bamidele, said the abductors later released the nursing mother and her infant following a downpour on the day of the incident.
He explained that the family became aware of the abduction when the woman and her baby returned home.
According to him, three other children in pre-kindergarten classes were subsequently rescued by local vigilantes and police operatives in the community.
Bamidele, however, said four victims — aged between 11 and 26 — remain in captivity. Those still being held include his children, younger sister and sister-in-law.
“The kidnappers have contacted us and are demanding N260 million ransom,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, told PUNCH Metro said operatives of the Ekiadolor Division engaged the gunmen in a shootout during a rescue operation.
She said five of the victims were rescued unhurt, while four others were taken away by the fleeing abductors.
“The command, in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes, has launched an intensive bush-combing operation to track down the kidnappers and rescue the remaining victims,” Ikoedem stated.
The police added that the ongoing operation forms part of broader security measures aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the state.
PUNCH Metro had earlier reported that 13 suspected kidnappers and vandals were recently arrested in separate operations, while three abductees were rescued, as part of sustained efforts ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, to deny criminals a safe haven.
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