Residents of Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in Edo State, have agreed to impose a self-enforced curfew following a surge in kidnapping incidents within the community.
As part of the new security measures, movement has been restricted between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am, while night burial dances have also been suspended across the town and surrounding areas.
The decision comes less than 24 hours after the wife of the Chairman of the local Youth Group, Ubani Okuo, was abducted on Tuesday night while returning home from her shop.
The incident followed closely on the heels of the release of seven indigenes of Imoga community in the same local government area, who regained their freedom on Monday evening after being held by kidnappers.
Reacting to the situation, the paramount ruler of Igarra/Akuku Clan, His Royal Highness, Oba Adeche Saiki, confirmed the development, stating, “It is true, we suspect that these bad people now stay with us and may even be drinking with our people before they carry out their acts in the night.
“It is a joint agreement between the local government area chairman, the police and the traditional institution. It is expected to be carried out in the whole of the local government area.”
The Edo State Police Command also confirmed the abduction. The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said, “We received a case of suspected kidnapping. The Commissioner of Police has ordered Divisional Police Officers in the area to join hands in the rescue effort.”
Meanwhile, reports revealed that the seven Imoga indigenes who were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, have been released.
The victims were abducted from Star Boy Hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo Road and were freed on Monday after the payment of an undisclosed ransom, according to the Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko-Edo People, Dr Bode Ekundayo.
Ekundayo disclosed that the victims have since reunited with their families, describing their ordeal as traumatic. He noted that they were released only after a “huge ransom” was paid.
Recall that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million, which was later reduced to N70 million and eventually to N40 million after negotiations.
However, Ekundayo said he could not disclose the exact amount paid. He also revealed that the eighth victim, who escaped during the attack, is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
“I can tell you that they have been reunited with their family after the community secured their release. It is a sad experience, and we hope that they will overcome the effect.”
He added that the police have been formally notified of the victims’ release and that the community is relieved by their safe return.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Imoga, Oba Patrick Abudu, confirmed meeting with the freed victims on Tuesday, noting that the community is celebrating their return.
