In a disturbing turn of events, the residents of Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in Edo State, find themselves living in fear as five individuals have reportedly been kidnapped by suspected criminal herdsmen. These criminals seem to have taken control of the various farm roads in the area, causing distress among the local community.
This recent incident has stirred anxiety among the people of Igarra, especially since it comes only a week after the Okpameri Descendants Union strongly condemned the increasing onslaught by suspected kidnappers and bandits posing as herdsmen on the Igarra/Ibillo Road. The area of concern is particularly around the Uneme-Nekhua-Ayetoro/Ogbe-Okpameri junction axis of the road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
According to reports, four individuals were abducted on Wednesday, with another person taken captive on Tuesday. A senior official of the Vigilante group has confirmed the abductions and stated that efforts are being made to search the forests in the area.
He further divulged, “They are just picking people everywhere, especially around the farm road behind the Technical College hostel and behind the Gloryland School in Igarra. They kidnapped four people yesterday (Wednesday) and one the day before. They contacted one of the victims’ families and demanded a ransom of N12 million. However, they have only made one call and have not contacted the family since.”
The official also recounted a similar incident that occurred a week ago, where four individuals were kidnapped near Aiyegunle. Regrettably, one person was killed during the incident. The captors eventually released one of the victims after collecting a ransom of N1 million. The victims have disclosed that the abductors identified themselves as Fulani boys.
The people of Igarra anxiously await swift action from the security agencies to rescue the kidnapped individuals and restore peace and tranquillity to their community.
