Kidnapping crisis deepens in Edo, Delta as abductors turn victims into walking ATMs, extract millions daily

In a terrifying surge of criminal activity, kidnappers armed with AK-47 rifles have transformed parts of Edo and Delta States into lawless zones, where residents live in fear and families are extorted like ATM machines for ransom payments.

Between January and May, over 50 people were abducted across both states, with perpetrators demanding millions in cash, not transfers, from families—under threat of execution.

Kidnappers, no longer hiding in the shadows, now include both Fulani herdsmen and native youths. In areas like Ubulu-Uku, Ogwashi-Uku, and Okpanam, homegrown gangs have formed, seizing residents for quick cash. The situation is so dire, some residents now fear their own neighbors.

Bloodshed and betrayal: Victim recognizes kidnapper, gets shot

In one disturbing incident, a motorcyclist who dropped off a priest in Ubulu-Uku was flagged down by two masked men on his return. When he recognized one of the kidnappers as a local he knew and called his name in shock, the kidnapper shot him dead on the spot.

Ransom reality: Victims traded for millions

• On March 14, gunmen abducted Anwuri Okoye (38) and her daughters, Chidinma (14) and Precious (12), in Ebedei Ukwole, Delta, demanding ₦30 million.

• Uchenna and Ebama, members of a 7-man gang, kidnapped a man and his companion, collecting ₦10 million in ransom before police arrested them in Benin.

• On March 11, in Auchi, three suspects seized Sunday Ajibola and his mother-in-law, taking ₦10 million before police recovered some of the money and arrested Adamu Usman.

• On April 7, Fulani kidnappers abducted a doctor and his driver, extracting ₦15 million, jollof rice, chicken, and energy drinks as ransom. Police later tracked and killed the gang leader, Shehu, in a forest shootout.

• In Ubulu-Uku, residents paid ₦10 million and a bizarre list of goods—6,000 razler wraps, Peak Milk, Black Bullet drinks, and more—to free two captives held for two weeks.

• Patrick Omoregie was forced at gunpoint to transfer ₦70 million from his bank account in Abarka, Delta. Police later recovered ₦30 million and arrested two brothers who were trying to sell his car in Benin.

Political and public figures not spared

• Okasime Olowojoba, Labour Party ward chairman in Edo, was kidnapped on April 26. Though his family paid ₦5.3 million, the kidnappers vanished, demanding more and ceasing contact.

• In Ibusa, Delta, Bright Azubike was taken while buying food. The kidnappers demanded ₦50 million, but released him after receiving ₦5 million and food on May 13.

• A woman kidnapped in Ughelli on May 11 was released after four days and ₦4 million. Four suspects were caught with ₦3.1 million during a police stop.

Governors declare crackdown

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo have initiated separate aggressive policies to confront the crisis.

Oborevwori, while keeping operations discreet, said:

“Many people have been arrested for kidnapping and armed robbery, but the new policy of the Police is not to showcase all these things because it hinders investigation.”

Delta is also profiling herdsmen through the Miyetti Allah association to identify infiltrators.

In Edo, Okpebholo signed the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law 2025, introducing death penalty for kidnappers in cases where a life is lost, life imprisonment for others, and 21 years minimum sentence for accomplices. The law also targets those negotiating ransom payments, criminalizing even indirect involvement.

Okpebholo has already demolished 10 properties linked to kidnapping and cultism, including locations suspected of organ harvesting.

The human toll

As the abductions persist, the human cost is unbearable. Families are bankrupted, communities traumatized, and fear hangs thick in the air.

In Abavo, on May 10, kidnappers captured a female farmer on her land. Her husband escaped. Three vigilantes were ambushed and injured during a rescue attempt.

“We are appealing to the government to rescue our brother… He’s a young man just trying to care for his family,” said Omozame Olowojoba, whose brother remains in captivity despite ransom payments.

As this war against kidnapping intensifies, one thing is clear: the South-South region is fighting not just for safety—but for its soul.