Fear has gripped the people of Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area as Edo State, as kidnappers continuously terrorise the town, abducting residents from their homes for ransom.
The latest incident occurred last Sunday, February 16, 2025, when armed men stormed a house in Udakpa, abducting a man who was only visiting.
The attackers also inflicted severe head injuries on his son using a machete before escaping.
Residents said Sunday’s incident made it the second time in 2025 that kidnappers have invaded Udakpa in the middle of the night to abduct a resident.
The precision of these attacks has left many questioning how the criminals obtain information about their targets.
“How did they know the man was around? He doesn’t even live here permanently,” Oriasotie Dennis, a community leader, asked, echoing widespread fears of insider involvement.
According to the resident, a similar attack occurred last week in Ukpaja, another part of Ubiaja. The criminals had planned to abduct a specific individual, also a visitor, but when he was unavailable, they seized his mother instead.
Another resident who does not want his name in print told our correspondent that residents are growing increasingly suspicious.
“Are our people aiding these evil perpetrators? How do they know exactly which houses to attack?” one unidentified resident questioned.
Community leaders and clerics are called on the Edo State government and the Nigeria police to take urgent action.
“Ubiaja is under siege. Esanland is unsafe. The authorities must act now,” said Oselumhense Anetor, a youth leader.
When called for a reaction via cellphone, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident.
Yamu encouraged residents to go to the Divisional Police Station to report such an incident formally and promised to contact the Divisional Police Officer in the area to ask if such an incident was reported.
