Residents of a rural community in Edo State are in shock following the abduction of eight people by suspected gunmen who have demanded a ransom of one hundred million naira for their release. The victims were reportedly seized late at night while returning from a social gathering on a poorly lit stretch of road outside the state capital.
According to community leaders, the attackers operated with precision, blocking the road before forcing their victims into the surrounding bush. Security agencies were alerted shortly after the incident, and a search operation involving the police and local vigilante groups is currently underway.
Families of the abducted persons have appealed to the government to intensify rescue efforts, saying the ransom demand is beyond what they can raise. The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident, noting that anti kidnapping units have been deployed and intelligence gathering has been stepped up to track the perpetrators.
The incident has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in parts of southern Nigeria, where criminal gangs are increasingly targeting commuters and rural dwellers. Civil society groups are calling for stronger intelligence coordination and improved rural policing to curb the growing threat.
