School Trip to Horror: Gunmen Kidnap Edo Family, Demand ₦260m Ransom

 A routine journey home from school spiralled into terror on Monday evening after gunmen abducted members of a single family along the Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road in Evboneka community, Edo State, demanding a staggering ₦260 million ransom for their release.

The victims were seized at about 5pm on February 2, 2026, while returning from school along the Benin–Akure Road corridor, an area that has witnessed rising insecurity in recent months.

Nursing mother, baby escape

The head of the family, Festus Bamidele, said the family only became aware of the abduction when a nursing mother and her infant unexpectedly returned home.

According to him, the woman and her baby were released by the kidnappers after a heavy rainfall disrupted the operation.

“We got to know about the kidnapping when the nursing mother and her baby got home,” Bamidele said.

Vigilantes, police rescue more children

Bamidele further disclosed that three other victims, all pupils of pre-kindergarten classes, were later rescued by vigilante members and police operatives within the Evboneka community.

However, the relief was short-lived.

Four still in captivity

Despite the rescue efforts, four family members aged between 11 and 26 years remain in the kidnappers’ custody. Those still held include Bamidele’s children, his younger sister, and a sister-in-law.

“The kidnappers have contacted us and demanded ₦260 million ransom,” he said, describing the situation as devastating for the family.

Police confirm gun duel with kidnappers

Confirming the incident, Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said operatives from the Ekiadolor Division engaged the abductors in a gun battle, leading to the successful rescue of five victims, all unharmed.

“I can confirm that the incident happened,” Ikoedem said. “Our operatives engaged the abductors in a gun duel and successfully rescued five of the victims unhurt, while four others were taken away.”

Manhunt underway

She added that the police, working alongside local hunters and vigilante groups, have launched an intensive bush-combing operation to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the remaining captives.

“The command, in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes, has launched an intensive bush combing exercise, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims,” she said.

The incident has once again heightened concerns over kidnappings along major roads in Edo State, particularly those involving children and school routes, as families and residents call for stronger security measures to prevent further attacks.

SOURCE : NaijaRush Assignment Desk