Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Authorities in Edo State have apprehended three individuals, including a father and his son, in connection with the suspected kidnapping of a local farmer in the Ovia North East area. The arrests were made by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) as part of an intensified response to reports of abductions and criminal activity in rural communities such as Lgue‑Ero, Lwu, and Lzakagbon.
According to ESSC officials, the farmer was abducted from his farmland several days prior to the arrests. The victim was reportedly held for ransom, reflecting a growing trend of criminal gangs targeting civilians for financial gain in southern Nigeria. Following the abduction, ESSC operatives conducted extensive searches of surrounding bushland to locate both the victim and the suspected kidnappers.
Deputy ESSC Corps Commander for Operations, Richard Balogun, explained that although a ransom was reportedly paid, security operatives continued their pursuit of the suspects. The victim was able to identify one of the assailants as the person who allegedly shot him during captivity. This identification enabled security forces to narrow their investigation and target the suspects effectively.
Through persistent searches and intelligence gathering, the ESSC successfully apprehended three individuals believed to be part of the kidnapping gang. The father and son were among those arrested, highlighting local involvement in the crime. All three suspects were transferred to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has emphasised improving security across Edo State, particularly in rural areas where criminal elements often exploit isolated terrain. Under his directives, the ESSC and other task forces have intensified operations to dismantle criminal networks, ensure public safety, and reassure residents in communities affected by abductions and other violent acts.
Community members have welcomed the arrests but expressed ongoing concerns about local safety, particularly for farmers and individuals in remote areas. Residents have urged security agencies to continue coordinated efforts and strengthen early-warning systems to prevent future kidnappings.
The bush search strategy involves collaboration between ESSC operatives, local vigilante groups, and informants familiar with the terrain, enabling rapid response to criminal activities. While the arrests are a significant step toward improving security, local leaders emphasise the need for sustained engagement and social programmes to address the underlying economic and social factors that may drive individuals into criminal activities.
For the farmer who was abducted, the ordeal highlights the trauma and dangers associated with ransom-driven kidnappings, a persistent challenge in many Nigerian communities. Authorities have pledged to pursue all leads, identify additional suspects if necessary, and ensure that the suspects face the full weight of the law.
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