…the Police Inspector and members of his family were kidnapped at their residence.
Benin City, Nigeria – The iNews Times reports that suspected kidnappers have abducted a Police Inspector, his wife, daughter, and two other victims in separate attacks across Edo State, escalating fears over rising insecurity in the area.
The Police Inspector, Segun Obanowa and members of his family were reportedly kidnapped at their residence in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
In a related incident on February 8, 2026, gunmen stormed the Makeke Community Health Centre in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, abducting Miss Tope Oriloye, a secondary school student, and Samuel Ilesanmi.
Ilesanmi was said to have been kidnapped while rushing his sick son to the health facility with his wife when the attackers invaded the centre.
Bode Ekundayo, National Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the abductors released the Inspector’s wife to raise money for an undisclosed ransom demanded for her husband and daughter.
He further revealed that the families of Tope Oriloye and Samuel Ilesanmi have been contacted, with kidnappers demanding N100 million for their release.
Following the attack, local hunters and vigilantes reportedly combed nearby forests overnight in a desperate rescue attempt, but the victims remain in captivity.
Confirming the incident, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the Command recorded a kidnapping at the health centre in Akoko-Edo.
“We have arrested some suspects. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to ensure the safe return of the victims,” she stated.
The coordinated abductions have heightened anxiety among residents, as Edo communities continue to grapple with repeated cases of kidnapping and ransom demands.
