By Kingsley Ohens 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of a teenage girl in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The development underscores the renewed commitment of security agencies and the Edo State Government to intensify efforts against violent crimes, particularly offences targeting women and children.

The victim was rescued following a swift investigation launched after her brother, Mr. Odion Enokhimion, reported her disappearance to the NSCDC Ewohimi Division on June 19, 2026. According to the complaint, the teenager had allegedly been abducted by unknown persons a day earlier.

Acting on the report, NSCDC operatives commenced investigations, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Orhiabor ThankGod, 20, and Saturday Freedom, 16, both residents of Ewohimi. The victim was subsequently rescued and placed under protective care.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly contacted the victim’s family after the abduction and demanded a ransom. They were said to have initially requested ₦800,000 before reducing the demand to ₦300,000.

Investigators also recovered telephone conversations linked to the ransom negotiations from a mobile phone belonging to one of the suspects, while an account allegedly connected to the suspects was identified during the course of the investigation.

Medical findings from the Edo State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma Vivian Centre in Benin City, confirmed that the victim was sexually assaulted. She has since received medical treatment, psychosocial support and professional counselling at the facility.

The NSCDC Edo State Command disclosed that the suspects remain in custody and will be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.

Releasing the details in an official statement on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, reaffirmed the determination of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to support security agencies in protecting residents and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.

Dr. Ebojele noted that the government remains committed to safeguarding vulnerable members of society, particularly women and children, while strengthening collaboration with security agencies to enhance public safety across Edo State.