Gunmen Abduct Police Inspector, Family, and Two Others in Edo State Kidnapping incidents
A police inspector, his wife and daughter, along with two other individuals, have been abducted by suspected kidnappers in separate incidents in Edo State, Nigeria.
According to a report by the Media Talk Africa, the first incident targeted Police Inspector Segun Obanowa, an indigene of the Uma/Imoga community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area. Inspector Obanowa, his wife, and their daughter were reportedly kidnapped at their residence in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government, on February 8, 2026. The names of his wife and daughter have not yet been publicly released.
On the same day, a second abduction occurred at the Makeke community health centre in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. Miss Tope Oriloye, a female secondary school student, and Mr. Samuel Ilesanmi were taken by armed men. Ilesanmi was reportedly at the health centre with his wife to seek medical attention for their son when the attack happened.
Bode Ekundayo, National Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, provided these details in a statement issued on February 11, 2026, in Benin City. Ekundayo stated that the kidnappers of Inspector Obanowa had released his wife with instructions to raise an undisclosed ransom for the release of her husband and daughter.
Separately, Ekundayo added that the captors of Tope Oriloye and Samuel Ilesanmi have contacted their families demanding a combined ransom of 100 million Nigerian naira.
Following the abductions at the Makeke health centre, local hunters and vigilantes mobilised to search surrounding bush areas throughout the night of February 8. However, these efforts did not yield results.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the kidnapping at the Makeke facility. ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, stated that a case was recorded in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area involving the abduction of a health centre staff member. She confirmed that investigation is ongoing and that some suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.
“We have arrested some suspects. We are still investigating and everything is being done within our power to secure the safe return of the victims and arrest perpetrators of the crime,” ASP Ikoedem said.
The incidents highlight a persistent security challenge in parts of Edo State, where kidnappings for ransom remain a significant concern. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and provide information to aid the investigation, while families of the victims are reportedly under pressure to meet the ransom demands.
