Civic tech and accountability group MonITNG has sounded the alarm over the rising cases of kidnappings along highways in Edo State, urging Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to take immediate action to curb the menace.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) and titled “KIDNAPPING ALERT IN EDO STATE!”, the organisation expressed serious concern about the deteriorating security situation in the state, which it said has plunged many families into fear and distress.
According to MonITNG, two individuals — Mr. John Odion from Ogute-Emai in Owan East Local Government Area and Miss Ayeni Joy — were among those abducted on Saturday, October 25, 2025, near the NIFOR area close to the Aso-Rock Police Checkpoint along the Benin–Sobe–Akure Road.
The group reported that about ten passengers travelling from Sabo-Gidda Ora in Owan West to Benin City were kidnapped during the incident, while the driver and two nursing mothers were released.
MonITNG added that Mr. Odion had boarded a motorcycle from Afuze to Sabo before joining the ill-fated vehicle in which he was abducted. The kidnappers were said to have initially demanded ₦20 million, later reducing the ransom to ₦10 million after negotiations.
Similarly, Miss Ayeni Joy was abducted around the same area while returning from Afuze, with her captors reportedly demanding ₦20 million for her release.
The group described these incidents as further evidence of the “alarming insecurity” on Edo’s highways, where travellers live in constant fear of abduction.
MonITNG appealed to the Edo State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups to act decisively to rescue the victims and restore safety along the Benin–Sobe–Akure corridor. It stressed that the worsening situation required “urgent and visible security intervention” to prevent more kidnappings.
In a passionate conclusion, the organisation stated: “This is a call for justice and humanity. Edo State must not become a breeding ground for kidnappers. The government and security agencies must protect lives, rescue victims, and restore peace.”
The post included several hashtags and mentions directed at national and state security agencies, such as #EdoInsecurity, #SecureEdo, #EndKidnapping, @PoliceNG, @EdoPoliceNG, and @HQNigerianArmy.
This alarm comes shortly after the release of Wahab Aisha, who had been kidnapped two weeks earlier at Igbira Camp in Auchi, Edo State.
Her freedom was confirmed by activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who expressed relief but criticised the authorities for failing to support the rescue efforts. According to him, Aisha was abducted in Auchi and released in Okpella, both in Etsako West Local Government Area, after being forced to trek long distances with her captors before regaining freedom.
