Panic has swept through Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, following the abduction of the wife of a prominent community youth leader by suspected kidnappers.
The Edo State Police Command on Thursday confirmed that the victim is the wife of Ubani Okuo, Chairman of the Youth Group of Igarra Community, heightening fears over the worsening security situation in the area.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had ordered Divisional Police Officers across the local government to collaborate urgently to ensure the woman’s safe rescue.
“We received a report of suspected kidnapping. The Commissioner of Police has directed Divisional Police Officers in the area to work together and intensify efforts to rescue the victim,” she said.
Abducted while returning from shop
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to a lack of authorisation, disclosed that Okuo’s wife was abducted on Tuesday night while returning home from her shop in the town.
The incident has triggered widespread fear among residents, many of whom now avoid moving around at night amid growing concerns that criminal elements have infiltrated the community.
Curfew imposed as tension mounts
In response to the kidnapping, a dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed across the area. Residents are now restricted from moving between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., while night burial dances have also been limited to between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The paramount ruler of the Igarra/Akuku Clan, Oba Adeche Saiki, confirmed the development, describing the curfew as a collective decision aimed at restoring safety.
“It is true. We suspect that these bad elements now live among us and may even mingle with our people before carrying out their acts at night,” the monarch said.
According to him, the curfew was agreed upon jointly by the local government chairman, the police, and the traditional institution and will be enforced throughout the local government area.
Rising kidnappings in Edo raise alarm
The latest abduction comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping in Akoko-Edo. Only days earlier, seven abducted indigenes of Imoga Community in the same local government regained their freedom after the payment of an undisclosed ransom.
The Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Bode Ekundayo, confirmed their release, saying the victims were reunited with their families on Monday evening.
“The victims have now been released after the payment of a huge ransom,” Ekundayo disclosed.
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