…Victims’ families cry for help as police continue bush combing operations in Owan-Auchi axis
By our reporter
Tension continues to mount in Edo State following the abduction of several passengers traveling in an 18-seater New Edo Line bus and a Toyota Camry along the OwanAuchi Road. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 5, has led to a demand of N15 million in ransom for each of the remaining victims still held by the kidnappers.
The gunmen reportedly ambushed the vehicles while they were en route from the Okpekpe area to Benin City. Although security forces have since rescued 16 of the abducted individuals, others remain in captivity. Among them is Gloria Ikhaghu, a woman who was returning from her father’s burial ceremony before she was taken.
Gloria’s family, already grieving the loss of their patriarch, say they are overwhelmed by the ransom demand. A relative described the situation as heartbreaking and called on the Edo State Government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, as well as security agencies and members of the public, to intervene urgently.
We are devastated. We just buried our father and now our sister is being held by gunmen who are demanding N15 million. We don’t have that kind of money. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid before it’s too late, the family member said.
When contacted, the Edo State Police Command said it was unaware of any ransom demands being officially made. Police spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu, however, confirmed that operations are ongoing in the area. Security teams are reportedly combing the bush around the Owan and Auchi axis in a bid to track down the criminals and secure the release of the remaining captives.
We are working closely with our tactical units. Bush combing and surveillance operations are ongoing. We assure the public that we are committed to ensuring the safe return of all those still in captivity, said Yamu.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing insecurity on Nigerian highways, particularly in the South-South and North-Central regions. Civil society organizations and security experts have called for increased patrols and surveillance along major transport routes to deter further attacks.
As families await news of their loved ones, the pressure is mounting on authorities to deliver results and bring an end to the wave of kidnappings plaguing the region.
