Acivic tech accountability group, MonITNG, has raised the alarm over the worsening wave of kidnappings along Edo highways, calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to urgently intervene.

The organisation made the call in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), titled “KIDNAPPING ALERT IN EDO STATE!”

MonITNG expressed deep concern over what it described as “the growing wave of insecurity in Edo State, as families are thrown into pain and fear.”

According to the post, “Two individuals, Mr. John Odion from Ogute-Emai, Owan East LGA, and Miss Ayeni Joy, are among the victims of the kidnapping incident that occurred on Saturday, October 25, 2025, around the NIFOR area near Aso-Rock Police Checkpoint, along the Benin–Sobe–Akure Road.”

The platform disclosed that about ten passengers travelling from Sabo-Gidda Ora in Owan West Local Government Area to Benin City were abducted by gunmen, while “the driver and two breastfeeding mothers were released.”

Providing further details, MonITNG stated that “Mr. Odion, who could not find a vehicle from Afuze to Benin, took a bike to Sabo and joined the ill-fated journey where he was kidnapped alongside others.”

It added that “the kidnappers initially demanded ₦20 million ransom, but negotiations are ongoing and they are now asking for ₦10 million for his release.”

The group also reported that “Miss Ayeni Joy was kidnapped around the same location while returning from Afuze,” noting that the abductors had demanded “₦20 million ransom for her freedom.”

The civic tech group said these incidents “have once again exposed the frightening state of insecurity on Edo highways, where innocent citizens live in fear of abduction.”

MonITNG appealed to the Edo State government, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups to “act swiftly and decisively to secure the release of these victims and restore safety along the Benin–Sobe–Akure corridor.”

It warned that the situation demanded “urgent intervention and visible security presence to prevent further abductions.”

Ending its post with a passionate appeal, the group declared: “This is a call for justice, action, and humanity. Edo State must not become a haven for kidnappers. The lives of our brothers and sisters matter. The government and security agencies must rise to their duty, protect lives, rescue victims, and restore peace.”

The post was accompanied by hashtags and mentions directed at state and national security authorities, including #EdoInsecurity, #SecureEdo, #EndKidnapping, @PoliceNG, @EdoPoliceNG, @HQNigerianArmy, and others.

This development is coming just days after Wahab Aisha, who was kidnapped two weeks ago at Igbira Camp in Auchi, Edo State, regained her freedom.

Aisha’s release was confirmed on Saturday by an activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, who expressed both relief and frustration over what he described as the government’s failure to collaborate in the rescue mission.

“Thankfully, she regained her freedom last night. Sadly, we couldn’t move in to capture her abductors because the State security agencies and the Edo State government have repeatedly failed to respond to our calls for collaboration.”

According to him, Aisha was kidnapped at Igbira Camp in Auchi and released in Okpella, Edo State — two distant communities in Etsako West Local Government Area.

He revealed that the victim was forced to trek a long distance with her abductors before her eventual release.

🚨KIDNAPPING ALERT IN EDO STATE!

Dear Governor @m_akpakomiza

We are deeply troubled by the growing wave of insecurity in Edo State, as families are thrown into pain and fear. Two individuals, Mr. John Odion from Ogute-Emai, Owan East LGA, and Miss Ayeni Joy, are among the… pic.twitter.com/fO2VMombga

— MonITNG (@monitng) October 28, 2025

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the successful repelling of an attempted armed attack on Ezinifite Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area in the early hours of Monday, October 27, 2025.

According to a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the swift intervention of a combined security team comprising Police operatives and members of the Agunechamba Vigilante group thwarted the assault. The joint team engaged the attackers in a gun battle, resulting in the death of one suspect. The remaining assailants reportedly fled into nearby bushes with suspected gunshot wounds.

Security operatives recovered a pump-action firearm and the body of the neutralized suspect at the scene. Intelligence and offensive operations are currently underway to locate and apprehend the fleeing individuals.

Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu commended the bravery and vigilance of the local security forces. He reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to community safety, particularly as the November 8 governorship election approaches.

‘From 6 p.m. on the eve of the election, no vigilante should appear in uniform near any polling station, CP Orutugu warns

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has banned members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group and other local security outfits from participating in election duties during the forthcoming November 8, 2025, governorship election.

Issuing the directive on Monday during a statewide engagement tour on election security, Orutugu warned that vigilante operatives must stay away from polling units and not be seen in uniform near any election area.

“Every Agunechemba member should stay away from polling units. You are citizens like everyone else—vote peacefully and go home. From 6 p.m. on the eve of the election, no vigilante should appear in uniform near any polling station,” the CP warned.

He stressed that election security remains the constitutional duty of the Nigeria Police Force and other statutory agencies, not community-based groups.

During his visits to the Ihiala Area Command and Oraifite Division, Orutugu met with community leaders, including Agunechemba Commander Chief A.K. Ilobi and President General of Ihiala, Hon. Levy Omatu, to strengthen cooperation ahead of the polls.

While commending the gradual return of peace to Ihiala, Orutugu acknowledged existing logistical challenges and assured improved police presence and support.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to a peaceful and credible election.

In response, Chief Ilobi described the CP’s visit as timely, noting that although normalcy is returning, the police need more vehicles and infrastructure to sustain the gains.

The Commissioner urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines—112 or 07039194332.