Two of the passengers kidnapped by gunmen in Edo State have reportedly regained their freedom after paying ₦10 million each as ransom.
The victims were among the 13 passengers abducted on Saturday, October 25, 2025, around the NIFOR area near the Aso-Rock Police Checkpoint along the Benin–Sobe–Akure Road. The assailants had earlier released the driver and two breastfeeding mothers.
According to sources, the released victims were identified as Miss Joy Ayeni and a male passenger who sustained gunshot wounds to the leg.
“His family has been able to raise ₦6 million, but the kidnappers are insisting on ₦10 million. We were made to understand that ₦10 million is the standard ransom they are demanding,” a source familiar with the negotiations told SaharaReporters.
Meanwhile, one of the victims, Mr. Lucky Imoukhuede, remains in captivity as his family struggles to raise the full ransom.
In response to the incident, a civic tech accountability organisation, MonITNG, has raised the alarm over what it described as the “worsening wave of kidnappings” along Edo highways.
In a statement titled “Kidnapping Alert in Edo State!” shared on X (formerly Twitter), the group expressed grave concern over the growing insecurity, noting that “families are being thrown into pain and fear.”
According to MonITNG, “Two individuals, Mr. John Odion from Ogute-Emai in Owan East LGA, and Miss Ayeni Joy, were among those abducted near the NIFOR area along the Benin–Sobe–Akure Road.”
The group explained that Mr. Odion, who had joined the ill-fated vehicle from Sabo-Gidda Ora in Owan West Local Government Area, was kidnapped along with others after he could not find transport from Afuze to Benin City.
“The kidnappers initially demanded ₦20 million ransom, but after negotiations, they reduced it to ₦10 million,” MonITNG added.
The organisation condemned the persistent cases of abduction along the Benin–Sobe–Akure corridor, describing it as “a frightening reflection of the security challenges in the state.”
MonITNG called on Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups to act swiftly to secure the victims’ release and restore safety to the area.
“The situation demands urgent intervention and visible security presence to prevent further abductions,” the group warned.
