Gunmen abduct family of 9 in Edo, as police arrest 2 suspected kidnappers

By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY — GUNMEN suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted nine family members, including a nursing mother and five other children in Edo State.

This came as the police said they have arrested two suspected kidnappers along the Igarra-Ibillo road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

The victims were said to include a nursing mother, six children, including a small baby and her two younger sisters and they were reportedly abducted at Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road, within Evboneka community on the Benin-Akure road, about 5p.m., while returning from school, on Monday,

The Head of the family, Festus Bamidele, yesterday, said the abductors released the nursing mother and her baby due to a heavy rainfall on the fateful day and that the family learned about the incident when the nursing mother and the baby got home.

He disclosed that while three other victims of pre-KG classes were later rescued by vigilante men and police operatives at Evboneka community, four others, who are between the ages of 11 and 26 years were still being held captive by the kidnappers.

He said the kidnappers have contacted the family and are demanding N260 million ransom.

When contacted, the state Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and said operatives of Ekiadolor Division engaged the abductors in a gun battle and successfully rescued five of the victims unhurt while four others were taken away.

Meanwhile the police said they have arrested two suspected kidnappers while on patrol along the Auchi–Igarra Highway, Edo North.

In a statement, yesterday Ikoedem said the suspects, were identified by a vigilante member, as members of a kidnapping syndicate.

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