Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Ekpoma, Edo State — Grief and outrage have engulfed the Ujemen community in Ekpoma following reports that Mr. and Mrs. Aifedighi, who were abducted on December 22, 2025, have allegedly been killed while in the custody of their captors. According to accounts circulating within the community, the kidnappers claimed the couple died after the family was unable to raise the ₦100 million ransom initially demanded, a development that has deepened fears over the worsening security situation in the area.
The reported deaths have cast a dark shadow over what should have been a season of celebration. Friends, neighbours and relatives say the couple was denied the joy of the festive period, spending Christmas in captivity as negotiations dragged on. While official confirmation from security agencies was still awaited at the time of reporting, the allegations alone have sent shockwaves through Ekpoma and surrounding communities, underscoring the emotional toll of kidnapping on families and society at large.
Residents of Ujemen described the atmosphere as one of collective mourning, with many expressing anger and helplessness over what they see as a steady deterioration of public safety. Community leaders say the frequency of abductions in Ekpoma has increased in recent months, turning once-familiar roads and neighbourhoods into zones of fear. The case of the Aifedighi family, they warn, represents a tragic escalation that could further embolden criminal networks if left unaddressed.
Calls for urgent intervention have intensified. Residents are appealing to the Edo State Government, security agencies and traditional institutions to take decisive steps to stem the tide of kidnappings and restore confidence. Some have urged authorities to strengthen patrols, improve intelligence gathering and ensure swift responses to distress calls, while others have called for closer collaboration between communities and law enforcement to prevent future attacks.
Public voices across Ekpoma have also appealed for wider attention to the case, urging citizens and media platforms to amplify the issue so that it reaches the highest levels of decision-making. They stress that the town must not be allowed to slide further into fear and lawlessness, warning that continued inaction could have devastating consequences for social cohesion and economic activity.
The reported killing of the Aifedighi couple stands as a painful reminder of the human cost of Nigeria’s security crisis. Beyond statistics and headlines, it reflects shattered families, traumatised communities and an urgent need for collective action to protect lives and restore peace.
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