The Lagos State Police Command on Sunday narrated how suspected kidnappers abducted a Lagos landlord’s daughter and another man in the Ijede Community of the state.

TheNigerian Metro gathered from the police that the incident happened on March 26, 2025, around 9pm in the community.

A police source who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent on Sunday that the command got the information on the night the abduction happened that the kidnappers, whose numbers and identities had yet to be ascertained, invaded the community and kidnapped the two persons in a very violent manner and also killed a security dog.

The source said the first target, identified simply as Dare, 40, was abducted in his house, after which the suspects forcefully gained entrance into another nearby apartment to kidnap a landlord’s daughter, identified simply as Taiwo.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives were mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the kidnappers forcefully gained entrance into the house of Dare aged 40 years, fired and killed the security dog, and kidnapped the said Dare.

“The kidnappers equally forced their way into the nearby house and kidnapped the landlord’s daughter, one Taiwo, aged 25 years,” the source said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, while confirming the incident, told TheNigerian Metro that a joint security team immediately intensified the effort, which led to the rescue of the victims.

Hundeyin confirmed in a message sent to our correspondent on Sunday that the landlord and his daughter regained their freedom on Saturday.

The PPRO said, “With the rigorous and collaborative efforts of both the police, the joint task force, and other stakeholders, the kidnapped victims were on Saturday, at about 11.56 pm, rescued unhurt and handed over to their family members.”

According to the police, the area is now relatively calm and is being closely monitored.

“Efforts are on to arrest the wanted suspects. Further development will be communicated,” he added.

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Sunday, alleged that the suspension of the Commander of the State Security Network Corps, SSNC, Friday Ibadin, was an indication that the Monday Okpebholo-led government had lost touch with security in the State.

According to report the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday announced the suspension of the Commander of the State Security Network Corps and all illegal vigilantes following the March 27, 2025, killing of seven suspected kidnappers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area in the state.

A statement by Chris Nehikhare, the State Publicity Secretary, PDP Caretaker Committee, made available to newsmen in Benin City, opined that the suspension of the Commander was a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed.

Nehikhare also added that the government’s classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group only further exposes the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game the government has come to master.

He posited that the February 5, March 2025, mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, which the governor allegedly chose to ignore.

He noted that the Edo people are paying the price with their lives.

The PDP publicity secretary noted that it was distressing that a vigilante group, operating without any oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings.

He stated that the action was an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state.

According to him, Edo State PDP is deeply alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the state, which has now culminated in the gruesome killing of innocent travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

“The recent government classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group only further exposes the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game this government has come to master.

“The suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed. The February 5 mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, yet Senator Monday Okpebholo chose to ignore it. Now, Edo people are paying the price with their lives.

“It is particularly distressing that a vigilante group, operating without any oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings.

“This is an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state”, he said.

The party, however, demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of the killings of the seven travelers to prevent further loss of lives

It said the government must ensure that all those responsible for the killings, including their sponsors, face the full weight of the law.

It also demanded the comprehensive audit and overhauling of the Edo State Security Corps, advocating that the security structure be reviewed to eliminate unregistered groups and ensure accountability in operations.

Another demand is the deployment of Federal security agencies, stating that an intervention becomes necessary to stabilize the situation following the alleged state government’s apparent inability to maintain law and order.

“Implementation of a New Security Strategy: The PDP calls for a non-partisan security summit involving all stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and opposition parties—to map out an effective security blueprint for the state”, he added.

While stating that the safety of Edo people cannot be sacrificed at the altar of incompetence, he added that Governor Okpebholo must rise to the occasion and take decisive actions or accept that his administration has failed and step aside for those who can secure the lives and properties of our people.

Nehikhare opined that Edo State cannot continue on this perilous path, assuring that PDP remains committed to advocating for the protection of all citizens and ensuring that justice prevails.

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state following the killing of seven people alleged to be kidnappers.

According to report the suspects were allegedly lynched and burnt alive by an angry mob in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.

In a statement, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, condemned the mob action, saying: “With seven people burnt alive in a single day and over 100 others killed in recent months, the PDP is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action. The mayhem currently unfolding in Edo surpasses the incidents in Rivers State, which resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency.

“These needless deaths are far too many. We urge the President to act immediately to prevent further loss of lives and ensure the safety and security of Edo State and its people.”

Aziegbemi alleged that the killings were led by the recently reorganised state vigilante operatives under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He further stated that Edo residents, having endured repeated killings, abductions, and sexual violence in recent months without intervention from the state government or security agencies, have now resorted to extrajudicial killings out of frustration.

“For emphasis, we reiterate that kidnapping, murder, and other violent crimes have become daily occurrences in Edo, claiming no fewer than 100 lives in the last few months.

“The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, even raised an alarm on the Senate floor that the state was under siege. The crisis in Edo surpasses the skirmishes in Rivers State, which resulted in a state of emergency declaration.

“Therefore, for the safety of our people and to end these mindless killings, rapes, abductions, and destruction of property, we strongly believe that the President must declare a state of emergency in Edo as a matter of urgency.

“The people of Uromi, after the mayhem of yesterday, now live in fear of possible reprisals from the relatives and communities of those killed by the vigilante operatives.

“As we speak, the area has been deserted, with residents in hiding for fear of the unknown. This makes a state of emergency even more crucial. If the relatives of those gruesomely killed regroup and launch an attack, it could lead to a full-blown war within the state.

“We sympathise with the families of the victims of these unfortunate and senseless killings and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.

According to report Governor Monday Okpebholo visited the scene of the incident on Friday, 28 March 2025, and ordered a full-scale investigation.

Describing the killings as unjustifiable, Okpebholo noted that the act was allegedly committed by members of a local vigilante group. He directed the Edo State Police Command and other security agencies to conduct a thorough and swift investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The governor also urged the community to cooperate with security agencies to identify and apprehend the culprits.

DAILY POST reported that at least four individuals have been arrested in connection with the killings.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi Seminarian, Andrew Peter, who was killed by kidnappers on March 13 will be buried on Wednesday.

The Edo State Police Command on March 3 confirmed the kidnapping of Rev. Father Philip Ekweli and Seminarian Peter Andrew by suspected herders at St. Peter Catholic Church in Ivukwa community, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

While the priest was released, the seminarian was killed on March 13, which threw the diocese into mourning.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi on Sunday in a statement by Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the burial ceremony will take place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the Priests cemetery, Immaculate Conception, Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Edo State.

The statement read, “The Catholic Diocese of Auchi wishes to announce the funeral Mass for Seminarian Andrew Peter who was murdered after being kidnapped along with Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli, as follows:

“The date is Wednesday, 26” March 2025 at the Priests cemetery, Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Edo State at 10am.

“Seminarian Andrew Peter was kidnapped with Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli on Monday 3” of March 2025, when gunmen attacked the Priest’s rectory and church of St Peter Catholic Church, Iviukhua-Agenebode, Etsako East LGA of Edo State. While Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli was severely tortured and released on the 13th of March 2025, seminarian Andrew Peter was unfortunately murdered by his abductors.

“The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr Gabriel Dunia, thanks all for their moral, spiritual and psychological support in this painful incident.

“He requests all to join the Diocese in praying for the repose of the soul of seminarian Andrew Peter and healing for Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli.”

The statement further notes, “He enjoins all people of goodwill to pray for an end to insecurity in Edo State and once again calling on government at all levels to address the persistent security challenges in Edo North and other parts of Edo State.

“May the souls of seminarian Andrew Peter, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, and all others killed by kidnappers in Nigeria, rest in peace. Amen. Thank you.”

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have rescued a Burkina Faso national, Sambo Labibo, from a notorious kidnap syndicate operating within the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons Camp.

Labibo was abducted on March 14 and his captors forced him to contact an associate, demanding a ransom of N15m.

A statement on Wednesday by the FCT Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said upon receiving a distress report on Tuesday, officers from the Durumi Divisional Headquarters swiftly mobilised and launched a tactical operation to secure his release.

Adeh added that with strategic coordination and collaboration with the victim’s associate, the operatives set a trap for the kidnappers.

She noted that as the suspects arrived at the designated ransom collection point, they were swiftly apprehended before they could escape.

Adeh said, “The relentless efforts of the FCT Police Command in combating crime and ensuring the safety of all residents have once again yielded significant success. In a well-coordinated operation, police operatives from the Durumi Division have rescued Sambo Umar Labibo, a citizen of Burkina Faso, from the clutches of a notorious kidnap syndicate operating within the Durumi IDP Camp.

“On March 18, 2025, at about 3:05 PM, the Durumi Divisional Headquarters received an urgent report that Sambo Umar Labibo had been kidnapped since March 14, 2025. His abductors forced him to call a close associate, demanding a ransom of  N15m.

“Upon receiving this intelligence, police operatives swiftly mobilised and launched a meticulous operation. With strategic planning and close collaboration with the victim’s associate, the operatives tactically set a trap for the kidnappers. As the suspects arrived at the designated ransom collection point, they were swiftly apprehended before they could escape.

“The arrested suspects include: Ibrahim Umar, Hamza Buba, Muktar Mohammed, Masaud Abdullahi and Moses Idoko – the gang’s medical director, responsible for providing medical care to both suspects and victims.”

She hinted that following their arrest, the suspects led the police operatives to their hideout within the Durumi IDP Camp, where the victim was found and rescued unharmed.

Adeh said efforts were ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 12 people who were allegedly involved in some criminal activities across the state.

Some of the suspects, according to the command, were alleged to be working for the kidnappers who had been abducting the residents of the state in the recent time.

TheNigerian Metro reports that nine surveyors were abducted at a site in Ilu Abo Community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state last week. The victims later regained their freedom after a week in the kidnappers’ den. Prior to the incident, a number of people had been kidnapped in the same local government but were later released.

Speaking with journalists on the arrest at the headquarters of the command on Tuesday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilfred Afolabi, said the command would not rest until the criminals were flushed out of the state.

According to the CP, some of the suspects were giving information to the bandits about the movement of the people to abduct them.

He said, “On February 24, 2025, joint efforts of the police and local vigilantes at Owo led to the arrest of one Abdullahi Mallam Bala, aged 21 years. He could not give a satisfactory account of what he was doing in the bush alone without being a nomad or having any reason to be in there. Further investigation revealed that he was one of the suspects on the run who is part of the syndicates of Ibrahim Dan Alhaji Umaru who was arrested earlier in the year and his name has recurred in kidnapping-related cases.

“On February 22, 2025, the police (Special Squad) through the use of technical support arrested one Komolafe Sunday a.k.a Veego, aged 39 years. During interrogation, he confessed to being a motorcyclist who helped the kidnappers get food for their victims while in custody and received money based on the number of people kidnapped. He also served as a spy to inform them of movements along the road. The suspect led the police to Akunu-Akoko and two suspects, Umaru Abubakar Sanda and Yusuf Ahmadu, were arrested. Umaru Abubakar confessed to being the one who guarded victims in the forest when they were brought to base.

“Further interrogation led to the arrest of LekanTemitope a.k.a Legelege who is also a motorcyclist that worked for the kidnappers. In the same vein, on March 14, 2025, the police through coordinated intelligence-led policing arrested the duo of Ridwan Salisu, aged 45 years and Umar Isyaku, aged 19, at Ipele in connection with a case of kidnapping. A sum of N3,614,000.00 was found in possession of the duo. Salisu claimed the money was for POS. Investigation is ongoing to confirm if the money is a proceed of ransom paid by victims.”

The police boss also disclosed that four persons were arrested in connection with cases of cultism and vandalism in the state, noting that the arrest was made possible following the coordinated efforts of the anti-kidnapping unit of the command.

Afolabi said the suspects included Awosika Babajide (Eiye Cult), Michael Peter, (Eiye Cult), Kunle Akinwande (Aveh Cult) and Akintemi Akinwunmiju (Aveh Cult). He said they had all confessed to being members of the cult group.

“As part of the command’s efforts to rid the state of all forms of criminality, the command organised coordinated raids of areas in Ondo town through the Special Anti-Cultism Squad. The team busted various hideouts on March 15, 2025, where the following suspects were arrested.

On the suspected vandals arrest, the CP said, “On March 14, 2025, one Samuel Friday was caught by members of the public vandalising a transformer along Ilu-Abo, Ogbese area of Ondo State and handed him over to the police.

“During interrogation, he confessed to have been vandalising electrical transformers since 2016 and that he had been jailed three times before he was finally released in 2018. He however confessed that he did sell stolen electrical cables removed from uncompleted/abandoned buildings to one Alhaji Abubakar a.k.a Abu Shisha and one Alhaji Sheu Sabo residing in Akure, Ondo State.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the receivers.”

He disclosed that on Monday, March 18, 2025, a midnight patrol team at Adinlewa apprehended one Iyanu John (male), a suspect whose specialty was in stealing and destruction of public infrastructure saying the suspect was caught in possession of two stolen solar panels and was immediately taken into custody.

He said while investigation was ongoing, the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

The Edo State Police Command on Tuesday said it had arrested six suspected kidnappers with cash suspected to be proceeds from kidnapping activities.

The command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, in a statement on Tuesday, also said some arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects in the last 48 hours.

He disclosed that the arrests and recoveries were made in several places in Edo North which has experienced violent kidnappings and killings in the last three weeks.

The statement read that  “On 16/03/2024 at about 04:30hrs, operatives of the Agbede Police Division alongside vigilante personnel, while on stop and search in Aviele along Abumere by power line, intercepted and arrested three suspects Jamilu Idris (20 years) Usman Shuaibu (24 years) and Yahuza Usman (20 years).

“One English-made Beretta pistol, one dagger, and an Infinix phone were recovered from the suspects after they were searched.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are part of a syndicate responsible for kidnaping and armed robbery, including snatching of motorcycles in that area of the state.

“Investigation continues with a view to arresting other members of the syndicate.”

The statement continues, “On 16/03/2025 at about 22:10hrs, operatives of the Auchi Division, in collaboration with the vigilante on a routine stop and search at the UBA junction Auchi, intercepted two young men.

“The young men who took to their heels on sighting the police were given a hot chase, and one Adamu Usman of the Hausa Quarters was arrested while his accomplice escaped.

“An on-the-spot search led to the recovery of N1,345,100 believed to be proceeds of kidnapping. Also recovered were five micro SIM cards, one machete, one dagger, two phones and a pack of cigarettes.

“During preliminary investigation, two additional suspects, Iliyasu Abubakar (19 years) and Safiyanu Mohammed (20 years) were arrested, while one of the SIM cards was discovered to belong to one Ajibola Sunday of Igbirra camp in Auchi.

“When Ajibola Sunday was contacted and invited to the station, he identified the suspect as being part of the eight-man gang that kidnapped him and his mother-in-law on 11/03/2025 and their relations had to part with the sum of N10m to secure their release.”

Yamu said the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, assured the public of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, and to bringing perpetrators of crime to justice.

The Edo State Police Command has arrested six suspected kidnappers with cash suspected to be proceeds from kidnapping activities.

The command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, in a statement on Tuesday, said arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects in the last 48 hours.

Yamu disclosed that the arrests and recoveries were made in several places in Edo North which has experienced kidnappings and killings in the last three weeks.

The statement read, “On 16/03/2024 at about 04:30hrs, operatives of the Agbede Police Division alongside vigilante personnel, while on stop and search in Aviele along Abumere by power line, intercepted and arrested three suspects Jamilu Idris (20 years) Usman Shuaibu (24 years) and Yahuza Usman (20 years).

“One English-made Beretta pistol, one dagger, and an Infinix phone were recovered from the suspects after they were searched.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are part of a syndicate responsible for kidnaping and armed robbery, including snatching of motorcycles in that axis of the state. Investigation continues with a view to arrest other members of the syndicate.

“On 16/03/2025 at about 22:10hrs, operatives of the Auchi Division, in collaboration with the vigilante on routine stop and search at UBA junction Auchi, intercepted two young men. The young men who took to their heels on sighting the police were given a hot chase, and one Adamu Usman of Hausa Quarters was arrested while his accomplice escaped.

“The on-the-spot search led to the recovery of N1,345,100 believed to be proceeds of kidnapping. Also recovered were five micro sim cards, one machete, one dagger, two phones and a pack of cigarettes.

“During preliminary investigation, two additional suspects, Iliyasu Abubakar (19 years) and Safiyanu Mohammed (20 years) were arrested, while one of the sim cards was discovered to belong to one Ajibola Sunday of Igbirra camp in Auchi. When Ajibola Sunday was contacted and invited to the station, he identified the suspect as being part of the eight-man gang that kidnapped him and his mother-in-law on 11/03/2025 and their relations had to part with the sum of N10 million to secure their release.”

Yamu said that the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, assured the public of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He assured all that perpetrators would be brought to justice.

The Edo State Government on Wednesday began the demolition of houses where suspected kidnappers kept their victims even as two alleged abductors, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, revealed how they collected N10m ransom from two of their victims in their last operation before they were arrested.

The duo stated this when they were taken to identify the houses where they kept their victims.

While speaking to journalists, the suspects, who belonged to a gang of seven, admitted to the crime and identified the property as their hideout before the demolition.

Admitting to the crime, they said they had been involved in high-profile kidnapping within the Edo Central area with the last operation fetching them N10m.

Uchenna noted that their last victim was abducted because of the luxury car he drives and was kidnapped alongside a lady. He said both victims were released unhurt after parting with a ransom of N10m.

Uchenna said, “The last operation we did fetched us N10m ransom. We abducted a man who drove flashy cars and he was with a lady and they were both kidnapped.

“We are here to identify the house where we kept our victims and we have been involved in several kidnapping operations.”

Meanwhile, in a bold step to ensure the safety of its citizens and curb criminal activities, the Edo State Government on Wednesday began the demolition of houses linked to kidnappers.

Leading security personnel on the demolition that took place in Illeh, Esan West Local Government Area and Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akhere Paul, said the exercise was in accordance with the law.

Akhere said the administration of Monday Okpebholo would not tolerate any house or establishment used as a hideout for criminal activities and called on landlords to ensure proper profiling of their tenants before subletting their properties.

He said, “This house has been used for criminal activities. They keep kidnapped victims here, and a raid by men of the Nigeria Police Force recovered some dangerous weapons as well.

“According to the new law on kidnapping recently passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, any house found being used for kidnapping activities will be demolished.

“This will serve as a deterrent to others. You must profile a person before giving out your house to him or her for rent. Go to the police station and let them help you in profiling the new person before you give out your property.”

You must verify their identity, where they work, and who they are to avoid unfortunate incidents like this,” Akhere added.

He assured the people that the exercise would be continuous saying the Okpebholo government had given a marching order to flush out all criminal elements and make the state habitable for all.

Also speaking, the Commander, Special Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, said the exercise would serve as a deterrent to others and help check kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.

He called on all Edo citizens to assist in the fight against kidnapping by keeping watch over their vicinities and reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or members of the Special Task Force, stressing that, “a safer and secured Edo is the duty of all.”