From Osehobo Ofure, Benin-City
Fear has gripped the people of Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area, Edo State, as kidnappers continue to terrorize the town, abducting residents from their homes for ransom.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025, when armed men stormed a house in Udakpa, abducting a man who was only visiting. The attackers also inflicted severe head injuries on his son using a machete before escaping.
Residents say this is the second time in 2025 that kidnappers have invaded Udakpa in the middle of the night to abduct a resident. The precision of these attacks has left many questioning how the criminals are obtaining information about their targets.
“How did they know the man was around? He doesn’t even live here permanently,” Oriasotie Dennis, a community leader asked, echoing widespread fears of insider involvement.
Just last week, a similar attack occurred in Ukpaja, another part of Ubiaja. The criminals had planned to abduct a specific individual, also a visitor, but when he was unavailable, they seized his mother instead.
Residents are now growing increasingly suspicious. “Are our people aiding these evil perpetrators? How do they know exactly which houses to attack?” one unidentified resident questioned.
Community leaders and clerics are calling on the Edo State government and the Nigeria police to take urgent action. “Ubiaja is under siege. Esanland is unsafe. The authorities must act now,” said Oselumhense Anetor, a youth leader.
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