Gunmen snatch schoolchildren, nursing mother in Edo highway kidnap horror

By Jethro Ibileke

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted several schoolchildren and family members in Edo State, sparking renewed concerns over insecurity along major roads in the state.

The incident occurred at about 5pm on Monday, 2 February 2026, along the Eko-Abeku-Iyowa axis of Benin–Akure Road, within Evboneka community, as the victims were returning home from school.

Head of the family, Festus Bamidele, said nine members of his household were initially abducted, including a nursing mother, six children, a baby, and other relatives.

He explained that the family became aware of the abduction when the nursing mother and her baby later returned home.

According to Bamidele, the kidnappers released the nursing mother and her infant after a heavy rainfall on the day of the attack.

He added that three other victims, who are pupils in pre-kindergarten classes, were subsequently rescued through the intervention of vigilante members and security operatives in the Evboneka area.

He disclosed, however, that four family members aged between 11 and 26 years remain in captivity.

Those still being held include his children, a younger sister and a sister-in-law.

Bamidele further revealed that the abductors have since contacted the family, demanding a ransom of ₦260 million for the release of the remaining victims.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said operatives from the Ekiadolor Division responded promptly and engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel.

She stated that five of the victims were successfully rescued unhurt, while four others were taken away by the abductors during the exchange.

“The command, in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes, has launched an intensive bush-combing operation to track the kidnappers, with sustained efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining victims,” Ikoedem said.