Metro

Kidnappers Threaten To Kill Victims In Edo

Published

4 months ago

January 16, 2026

Kidnappers who abducted eight indigenes of Imoga, In Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have threatened to kill their victims over failure to pay demanded ransom.

The eight indigenes of Imoga were abducted at Star Boy Hotel, alonge Ibillo Road, on January 9, 2026, by gunmen suspected to kidnappers.

In a statement, the Coordinator, Movement for the Advancement of Akoko-Edo People, Dr Bode Ekundayo, said the kidnappers made the threat to show the community and families of the victims that they “meant business”.

The coordinator said the kidnappers who started by demanding ₦100 million as ransom, later reduced their demand to ₦80 million and down to ₦40 million which was so difficult for community members and families to raise.

He said the Royal Father of the community, Oba Patrick Abudu sent out the town criers and spokesman around the houses on January 15 to solicit for more funds to enable the community raise the ransom.

He said, “On the 15th January, 2026,
the Orkpahi b’ Uma, Oba Patrick Abudu, sent the village town criers and spokesmen round all the houses in the community to sweep kobos and nairas together to raise the ransom demanded by the men of the underworld who have held their kidnapped victims incommunicado since last week.

“However, the amount raked in is a far cry from the N40 million the kidnappers are demanding. They are unwilling to climb down and threatening to kill some of the victims to prove that they mean their ‘mean business”

Ekundayo also disclosed that two brothers, Ojo and Abiodun Ekpo, from the community escaped from kidnappers who tried to hold them hostage.

He said, “On 15th January, 2026 kidnappers descended on two brothers, Ojo Ekpo and Mr Abiodun Ekpo, who were working in the farm.

“The unknown kidnappers first took away Ojo, the elder, who was working in a section of the farm, unknown to Abiodun, his younger brother working at another side of the forest.

“After calling and screaming Ojo’s name to no avail, Abiodun Ekpo rode his motorcycle to the section of the wilderness where his brother Ojo was supposed to have been working.

“Suddenly, the kidnappers who had laid an ambush appeared and Abiodun had to flee, abandoning his motorcycle that he had already parked in another section of the forest.

“On reporting his experience back at home, the community vigilantes and youths mobilised and entered the wilderness in search of the kidnappers and their victim.

“Somehow, Ojo Ekpo escaped at midnight from the kidnappers to the joy and relief the community.”

Oba Abudu stated that the community has since last year, before the outbreak of incessant kidnapping, informed the state and local government of the illegal occupation of Imoga land by suspected bandits, herders and kidnappers and its threat to peace and security.

The Oba said he has sent a save-our-soul message to all the tiers of Nigerian government, while also resolving to confront the scourge frontally with all the wisdom at their disposal.

Metro

16 Passengers Lose Lives In Lokoja–Okene Highway Tragedy

Published

9 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

At least 16 persons have been confirmed dead following a fatal road accident along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State.

In a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, he said the tragic incident occurred at about 9:20 a.m. on Friday near Aku village around the Osara axis of the busy highway.

Security and traffic safety sources told Zagazola Makama that the accident involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BUU 17 ZD carrying 22 passengers from Jos, Plateau State, to Lagos.

“Security and traffic safety sources said the accident involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BUU 17 ZD, conveying 22 passengers comprising 21 males and one female from Jos, Plateau State, en route to Lagos,” Makama said.

According to the sources, the vehicle reportedly lost control while moving at high speed, veered off the road and plunged under a bridge, leading to multiple casualties.

Preliminary findings attributed the accident to driver fatigue.

The sources disclosed that 16 occupants of the vehicle, including 15 men and one woman, lost their lives in the crash, while six other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Emergency responders were said to have arrived at the scene after receiving a distress call and immediately evacuated the injured victims to medical facilities in Osara and the Specialist Hospital in Lokoja for treatment.

The remains of the deceased victims were deposited at the Ankuri Mortuary in Lokoja.

Authorities, meanwhile, advised motorists to obey speed limits, ensure adequate rest during long-distance trips and strictly comply with road safety regulations to avoid preventable accidents and loss of life.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

3 days ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

5 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.