Gunmen demand ransom of ₦200m for kidnapped brothers
Gunmen have abducted two brothers in Edo State and are demanding a ₦200 million ransom for their release, police and family sources have confirmed.
The brothers, identified as Igho and Osaretin Okoro, were kidnapped last week in the Igueben Local Government Area while returning from farm work. According to family members, the assailants intercepted them along a bush path and forced them into waiting vehicles before speeding off toward an unknown forest hideout.
Since the abduction, the kidnappers have been in contact with the family, insisting on a ₦200 million ransom, a demand that has alarmed relatives and community leaders. Efforts by negotiators to reduce the amount have so far been unsuccessful.
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The Edo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident and said detectives are actively tracing the kidnappers while advising the family against engaging in direct payments that could endanger the victims’ lives.
“Security operatives have been deployed to the area, and intelligence units are working with vigilante groups to locate and rescue the kidnapped brothers unharmed,” SP Nwabuzor said.
Local residents have expressed fear over the rising frequency of kidnappings in rural parts of the state and called on government authorities to enhance security along major and minor travel routes.
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The Edo State Government has yet to issue an official statement, but sources said that coordination between community leaders and security agencies is ongoing to secure the safe release of Igho and Osaretin Okoro. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
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