The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the wife of a community leader in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state. The incident has raised fresh security concerns in the area and led to the imposition of a night curfew to prevent further attacks.
The victim is the wife of Mr Ubani Okuo, Chairman of the Youth Group of Igarra Community. She was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday night while returning home from her shop in the town.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika, had directed security officers in the area to work together to rescue the victim and arrest those responsible.
“We received a report of suspected kidnapping. The Commissioner of Police has directed Divisional Police Officers in the area to collaborate in the rescue effort,” the police spokesperson said.
Although the police did not disclose further details about the circumstances of the abduction, community sources said the incident occurred late in the evening, when the victim was on her way back from her business premises.
A resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the attackers struck quietly and escaped before help could arrive.
“She was coming back from her shop when she was taken. People only realised something had happened after she did not get home on time,” the source said.
The abduction has caused fear and tension among residents of Igarra, a town known for its peaceful nature and strong communal ties. Many residents say the incident is part of a growing security challenge in parts of Edo North, where cases of kidnapping and armed robbery have been reported in recent times.
In response to the incident, the Igarra community has imposed a curfew to limit movement at night and reduce the risk of further attacks. The curfew restricts movement between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.
The community has also placed restrictions on night burial dances, which are common in the area. Such activities are now limited to between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The paramount ruler of the Igarra/Akuku Clan, Oba Adeche Saiki, confirmed both the kidnapping and the new security measures. He said the decision to impose the curfew was taken jointly by the local government authorities, the police, and the traditional institution.
“It is true. We suspect that these bad elements now live among us and may even mingle with our people before carrying out their acts at night,” the monarch said.
According to him, the curfew is expected to be enforced across the entire Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
“The imposition of the curfew is a joint agreement between the local government chairman, the police, and the traditional institution. It is for the safety of our people,” Oba Saiki added.
He appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by obeying the curfew and reporting any suspicious movement or unfamiliar persons in their neighbourhoods.
Akoko-Edo Local Government Area is located in Edo North Senatorial District and shares boundaries with parts of Ondo and Kogi states. The area has in recent years witnessed cases of criminal activity, partly due to its location along major roads linking different states.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major security challenge in Nigeria, affecting both urban and rural communities. Victims are often targeted based on their perceived social status or connections, while criminals take advantage of weak security and slow response times.
In Edo State, the government has repeatedly pledged to tackle insecurity through increased patrols, collaboration with local vigilante groups, and support for the police. However, residents say more needs to be done to protect lives and property.
The abduction of the wife of a youth leader has drawn attention because of the prominent role her husband plays in community affairs. Some residents fear that if such a person can be targeted, ordinary citizens may also be at risk.
Meanwhile, the police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim unharmed. Security operatives are said to be combing surrounding areas and working with local informants to track the kidnappers.
Although no ransom demand has been officially confirmed, residents say families in similar cases are often contacted by abductors within days.
The police have urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could hinder rescue efforts.
As the search continues, community leaders have called for prayers and unity, stressing that the safety of the victim remains the top priority.
For now, life in Igarra has slowed as residents adjust to the curfew and heightened security presence. Shops close earlier, and streets become quiet at night, reflecting the anxiety gripping the community.