Metro

Fear Grips Edo Community Residents As Kidnapping Escalates

Published

11 months ago

February 18, 2025

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Fear has gripped the people of Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area as Edo State, as kidnappers continuously terrorize the town, abducting residents from their homes for ransom.

The latest incident occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025, when armed men stormed a house in Udakpa, abducting a man who was only visiting.

The attackers also inflicted severe head injuries on his son using a machete before escaping.

Residents said Sunday’s incident made it the second time in 2025 that kidnappers have invaded Udakpa in the middle of the night to abduct a resident.

The precision of these attacks has left many questioning how the criminals are obtaining information about their targets.

“How did they know the man was around? He doesn’t even live here permanently,” Oriasotie Dennis, a community leader asked, echoing widespread fears of insider involvement.

According to the resident, last week, a similar attack occurred in Ukpaja, another part of Ubiaja.

The criminals were said to have planned to abduct a specific individual, also a visitor, but when he was unavailable, they seized his mother instead.

According to another resident who does not want his name in print told our correspondent that residents now grow increasingly suspicious.

“Are our people aiding these evil perpetrators? How do they know exactly which houses to attack?” one unidentified resident questioned.

Community leaders and clerics are called on the Edo State government and the Nigeria police to take urgent action.

“Ubiaja is under siege. Esanland is unsafe. The authorities must act now,” said Oselumhense Anetor, a youth leader.

When called for a reaction via cellphone, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, said he was yet to be briefed of the incident.

Yamu, while encouraging residents to go to the Divisional Police Station to formally report such an incident, promised to reach out to the Divisional Police Officer in the area to ask if such an incident was reported.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

11 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.