Kidnapping Resurges in Edo State: Suspected Criminals Wreak Havoc, Victims Forced to Pay Exorbitant Ransoms
Eben Enasco Reporting.
A disturbing trend of kidnapping has resurfaced in Edo State, with reports of increased hostilities and exorbitant ransom demands in several communities.
The affected areas include Igbogiri, Uweh, and Ugomoson communities in Uhunmwande Local Government Area.
According to a reliable source, three people were recently kidnapped, with one victim captured at Ugomoson and forced to pay a ransom of 6.7 million naira.
Two others were kidnapped from Igbogiri, with their relatives paying 3.3 million naira in ransom.
The source revealed that his cousin was also kidnapped, spending two weeks in captivity and paying 7.2 million naira for his release.
The resurgence of this heinous crime has sent shockwaves throughout the state, leaving residents in fear and uncertainty. Kidnappers are targeting
unsuspecting individuals, including farmers, commuters, and residents, are facing a glitch with suspected criminals demanding millions of naira in ransom payments.
Victims’ families are being forced to pay these hefty sums, often under duress and with no guarantee of their loved ones’ safe release.
The source lamented, “Suspected herders are terrorizing my community, Igbogiri. They don’t allow us to go to the farm or harvest our produce. Three people have been kidnapped, with 6.7 million naira paid as ransom. Another victim paid 3.3 million naira at Igbogiri. My cousin paid 7.2 million naira after spending two weeks in captivity. I’m soliciting help to remove the poor people from this torment.”
The Edo State Police Command has acknowledged the only incident at Ubiaja, with SP Moses Joel Yamu promising to obtain more information on the recent kidnappings.
According to SP Yamu, “these cases may be unreported otherwise we could have gotten the info in headquarters”.
“The command is aware of the case of kidnap on August 16, 24, at an Ubiaja-Ewohimin road involving occupants of a sienna bus heading to Abuja. The command also has 4 suspected kidnappers arrested from Iguobazuwa”
Similarly, an incident of kidnapping at Ovia on Saturday was also reported by a witness but has not been substantiated as we hope to Furnish citizens with the situation anytime soon.
However, residents are urging the state government to collaborate with security agencies to launch a comprehensive operation to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and bring perpetrators to justice.
