Suspected kidnappers have abducted seven individuals, including a family of three and their family friends, in Ivbiaro community, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to DAILY POST, the victims were traveling from Kaduna State to Ivbiaro for a 40-day fidau prayer in honour of a deceased mother-in-law when they were attacked on Thursday. The incident occurred along the Auchi-Warrake road, just a few meters from the community, at a known bad spot not far from a security checkpoint.
The abducted family—consisting of a father, mother, and their son—had chartered a vehicle along with four family friends to attend the prayer scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025. Their driver reportedly fled into the bush during the ambush.
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A source familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity, revealed that the attackers initially seized all the passengers but later released a woman and her two children due to the children’s persistent cries.
“The kidnappers abandoned the woman and her two children, but held on to the remaining four,” the source said.
The gunmen reportedly later freed the father, identified as Mallam Nezifi, and his wife, but kept their son and a female friend captive.
It is believed that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N10 million for the release of the remaining hostages.
The development has thrown the Ivbiaro community into disarray, with the planned fidau prayer now suspended. The affected family is said to be making frantic efforts to secure the release of their loved ones.
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