Eben Enasco Reporting.
The relentless wave of kidnappings plaguing Ugbogi, Ugomoson, and surrounding communities in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area has sparked widespread panic, forcing residents to abandon their homes in search of safety.
The affected communities, Igbogiri and Ugomoson villages are baffled by the sudden surge in kidnapping incidents, leaving them searching for answers and feeling vulnerable to these senseless attacks.
Several locals and motorists have been victimized, and killed where many who narrowly escaped untimely deaths are subjected to paying huge ransoms to their abductors.
The trends have continued thereby creating palpable fear around the locality with no end in sight when relief would come.
In our local culture, there’s a traditional belief that if the children of the first wife in a polygamous family consistently die, suspicion often falls on the second wife, implying accusations of foul play or supernatural interference.
Investigations uncovered a suspect, Nero Erhiorobo, allegedly involved in facilitating kidnapping operations in Ugomoson village.
A confidential source revealed to our correspondent that Erhiorobo owns cattle in the village’s bush areas, managed in collaboration with Fulani herdsmen.
Further findings indicate that Erhiorobo has ties to one Alhaji Idris, another cattle owner in Ugomoson.
The source claimed that their joint activities have inflicted immense suffering and fear upon the community, with many hesitant to report crimes committed by the duo.
However, Nero Erhiorobo and Alhaji Idris are accused of such as at press time, but have not shared their opinions on the allegations despite several attempts made to reach out to them that have failed
Suspected kidnappers, recently invaded Igbogiri and Ugomoson communities in Edo State, Nigeria, leaving one person dead and three others abducted.
The attack occurred on October 2, 2024, in Igbogiri and Ugomoson, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
Egbunde Friday was shot twice and killed, while two others were taken. Another resident, Mr. Justice, who had previously been kidnapped and paid a 7.2 million naira ransom, was abducted again by the same perpetrators.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Joel Yamu, confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are underway to track the suspects and rescue the victims.
This incident highlights the growing concern about kidnappings in Nigeria, where victims are often subjected to paying hefty ransoms.