Nine family members, including a nursing mother and five other children, have been abducted in Edo State by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

The victims included the nursing mother, six children, including a small baby, and her two younger sisters.

They were said to have been abducted at Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road, within Evboneka community along the Benin–Akure road, at about 5 p.m. while returning from school on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Narrating the incident, the head of the family, Festus Bamidele, said the abductors released the nursing mother and her small baby after a heavy rainfall on the fateful day.

He explained that the family learnt about the incident when the nursing mother and the baby got home.

Bamidele said three other victims of pre-KG classes were later rescued by vigilante men and police operatives at Evboneka community.

The distraught father further disclosed that four others between the ages of 11 and 26 years are still being held captive by the kidnappers.

He said those still being held by the kidnappers are his children, junior sister and a sister-in-law, disclosing that the kidnappers have contacted the family and are demanding the sum of ₦260 million ransom.

Confirming the incident, spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said operatives of Ekiadolor Division engaged the abductors in a gun duel and successfully rescued five of the victims unhurt, while four others were taken away.

“The command, in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes, has launched an intensive bush-combing exercise for the kidnappers, with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining victims,” she added. (The Sun)