By EdoCelebrities.com News Desk | October 25, 2025 | Benin City

Tension gripped Edo State over the weekend following the kidnapping of at least ten passengers by suspected gunmen along the Benin–Sobe–Akure Road, a highway that has become increasingly notorious for insecurity.

According to reports, the attackers blocked the highway near the NIFOR area, close to the Aso-Rock Police Checkpoint, forcing several passengers out of a commercial bus before whisking them into the surrounding forest.

Witnesses told reporters that the gunmen operated for several minutes without resistance, targeting a vehicle travelling from Sabo-Gidda Ora in Owan West Local Government Area to Benin City.

“They took all the passengers except two breastfeeding mothers and the driver,” a witness recounted. “We heard gunshots, and everyone ran into the bush for safety.”

₦20 Million Ransom Demand

Sources close to the victims’ families revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦20 million ransom for each of the hostages but later reduced the demand to ₦10 million after negotiation.

Among those abducted are:

• Mr. John Odion, from Ogute-Emai in Owan East LGA,

• Miss Ayeni Joy, reportedly taken in a separate but related incident in the same area.

It was gathered that Mr. Odion had boarded the bus from Sabo, after failing to find a direct ride from Afuze to Benin. Both victims remain in captivity as negotiations continue for their safe release.

Civic Group Raises Alarm

Civic tech accountability organization MonITNG raised an alert on social media, posting under the title “KIDNAPPING ALERT IN EDO STATE!” and warning of an alarming increase in abductions across Edo highways.

“The frequency of these attacks along the Benin–Sobe–Akure Road is becoming unbearable. Security patrols are either absent or ineffective,” the group said.

Residents of Owan West, Owan East, and Akoko-Edo LGAs have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State Police Command to intensify patrols and enhance surveillance to protect travellers and rural communities.

Rising Insecurity Across Edo

This latest incident adds to a growing list of abductions in Edo’s central and northern corridors. Just days ago, Mrs. Wahab Aisha, who was kidnapped at Igbira Camp in Auchi, was released after two weeks in captivity. She was reportedly freed near Okpella, after trekking long distances with her abductors.

The surge in kidnappings has heightened anxiety among residents, particularly traders and travellers who rely on the Benin–Sobe–Akure route for commerce and movement.

Community leaders and transport unions have urged authorities to establish permanent military checkpoints and deploy drones for surveillance along the notorious stretch, warning that the situation could worsen if immediate action is not taken.

Public Outcry

“We can no longer travel safely. Every journey feels like a risk,” said one local transporter in Sobe. “Government must rise to the challenge before this road becomes a death trap.”

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives have yet to confirm any arrests, while family members of the victims continue to pray and negotiate for their loved ones’ release.