Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed a 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and abducted five others in separate attacks in Edo State on July 10 and 12, 2026. The violent incidents occurred in Idoa and Ekpoma communities, sparking fear and alarm across the region. In the first attack on Friday, July 10, 2026, the secretary to the Idoa palace and three children were abducted by armed men in Esan West Local Government Area. A source confirmed the abduction, revealing that the secretary’s vehicle had broken down on his way to a farm, and he returned the next day with tools to repair it. As he worked on the vehicle, gunmen emerged from the bush, rounded up the group, and took them into the forest.
The abductors have demanded a ransom of N30 million, threatening to kill the victims if the money is not paid by the end of July 13, 2026. The children, who were neighbors of the secretary, had accompanied him to the site to assist with repairs and were to be returned home afterward. The source, who is the brother of the abducted secretary, appealed to the government and security agencies for urgent intervention to secure the safe release of the victims. He also confirmed that the incident has been reported to the police, though as of the time of reporting, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, had not responded to inquiries.
In a separate incident on Sunday, July 12, 2026, a 300-level AAU student was killed, and a woman was abducted in Ekpoma. The details of the student’s identity remain unknown, but the attack was disclosed on the Esan Political Assembly Facebook page. The violence in Edo State is not isolated, as the region has witnessed similar attacks in recent months. On February 26, 2026, a high-ranking chief, Chief Jimah Jacob Ogboi, was reportedly killed in his home, and his two daughters were abducted. The assailants, believed to be four in number, invaded the house at night, shot the chief, and used machetes and other weapons on his wife before fleeing with the children.
These recurring incidents highlight the growing insecurity in Edo State, particularly in rural communities. The pattern of attacks—targeting both individuals and families, often during the night, and demanding large ransoms—points to a coordinated and ruthless criminal network. With no immediate response from security authorities, residents are left anxious and vulnerable. The situation underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and swift government action to restore peace and protect lives in the region.
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