Two abducted passengers in Edo have regained freedom after relatives paid heavy ransom.
Several others remain captive as families struggle to meet kidnappers’ N10 million demand.
Two passengers kidnapped along the Benin–Sobe–Akure Road in Edo State have regained their freedom after their families paid N10 million each.
Gunmen abducted 13 travellers near the NIFOR area close to Aso-Rock Police Checkpoint on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The attackers left the driver and two breastfeeding mothers behind during the incident.
Several victims remain in captivity because their relatives have not been able to raise the N10 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
A source confirmed that a woman identified as Joy Ayeni and a man who was shot in the leg were released after payment was made. One victim, Lucky Imoukhuede, is still being held.
“His family has raised N6 million but the kidnappers are insisting on N10 million. That is what they collect,” the source said.
Civic tech group MonITNG expressed worry over rising cases of kidnappings in Edo and urged Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to act fast.
In a public alert shared on X, the group said families are now living in fear as abductions continue along major highways in the state. It identified some of the victims as Mr John Odion from Owan East LGA and Miss Ayeni Joy.
The group said the kidnappers first asked for N20 million ransom for some victims before reducing it to N10 million after negotiations.
MonITNG called on security forces and local vigilantes to move quickly to rescue those still held and improve patrols on the Benin–Sobe–Akure route. It stressed that stronger security presence is needed to prevent more attacks on travellers.
