There is concern over the abduction of five people within 48 hours by suspected kidnappers in the Ebedei-Ukwuole community, Ukwuani Local Council of Delta State.

The Guardian learnt that they were kidnapped on two separate days – Thursday, March 13, and Friday, 14, 2025, along the Amuchi road, a popular route linking Ebedei Inland and Ebedei Water side.

This development has created panic in the community and environs as most people are now living in fear occasioned by the growing wave of insecurity in the area.

The armed hoodlums, according to sources, whisked their victims to unknown locations, and later demanded N10 million ransom for their release.

“But one of them, a tricycle operator, escaped the kidnappers’ den along Amuchi road on their way to Ebedei Inland,” said the source who narrated what the escapee went through while in captivity.

The Guardian gathered that a local vigilante group had reported the incidents at the Police Station in Umutu division, to assist in rescuing the kidnapped victims but their efforts met brick walls.

For now, no useful information about the fate of the victims but their family is said to be running “here and there” sourcing for the ransom, as any delay in payment may result in an unexpected turn of events, sources added. But the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe, stated that three persons and not five were kidnapped. (The Guardian)