A young girl identified as Wahab Aisha has been abducted by gunmen at Igbira Camp in Auchi, Edo State, leaving her family and community in anguish.
According to reports, the incident occurred last Saturday, and the kidnappers have demanded a ₦20 million ransom for her release. A disturbing video circulating on social media shows the frightened girl pleading for financial assistance to regain her freedom.
Residents of Auchi and nearby communities have expressed deep concern over what they describe as a growing kidnapping epidemic in Edo State. They accused the government of showing indifference toward citizens’ safety and failing to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
Some residents lamented that Edo has become “the heartbeat of kidnapping” under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, citing several unresolved abduction cases.
They recalled a previous incident in July 2025, when two seminarians were kidnapped at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianakpodi, Auchi, during which an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was killed. Despite the alleged payment of ransom by the Catholic Church, the victims have yet to regain their freedom.
Community members also criticized security agencies for what they see as misplaced priorities, accusing them of focusing more on arresting human rights activists than on confronting kidnappers and violent criminals.
“They are always quick to go after people who criticize the government,” one resident said, “but when it comes to tracking kidnappers and their informants, they do nothing.”
The residents have now urged Governor Okpebholo, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to take decisive measures to restore safety and public confidence, warning that Edo is fast becoming one of the most dangerous places for both residents and travelers.
