By Jelili Gbadamosi
Residents and indigenes of Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to urgently strengthen security in the area following a recent kidnapping incident that allegedly left two victims dead and another injured.
The appeal followed the reported abduction of three persons along the Ebelle-Amughe Road on August 31, 2026, by suspected kidnappers.
According to an SOS message signed by Omokhagbor Sixtus and Concerned Okpekpe Indigenes, the abductors reportedly demanded N30 million as ransom for the victims.
The statement alleged that N3 million was eventually raised and handed over to the kidnappers around the Okpella-BUA axis in an attempt to secure the victims’ release.
However, the community said the effort did not prevent tragedy, alleging that two of the abducted persons were killed, while the third escaped with gunshot injuries.
The incident, according to the group, has deepened fear among residents and raised fresh concerns about the safety of people travelling through the area.
Sixtus said the security situation was also threatening economic activities, as residents were increasingly afraid to access farms, conduct businesses and move freely within the community.
He therefore called on the state government and security agencies to increase surveillance and intelligence operations along the Ebelle-Amughe and Okpella-BUA corridors, as well as other vulnerable locations within Okpekpe Kingdom.
The group also urged authorities to investigate the alleged killings and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
It further appealed for medical and humanitarian assistance for the surviving victim and support for the families of those allegedly killed.
The SOS was addressed to Governor Okpebholo, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, the Director of the Department of State Services in the state, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idaiye, and the lawmaker representing Etsako East Constituency, Kingsley Ugabi.
Meanwhile, former Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Princess Benedicta Attoh, has also expressed concern over what she described as the worsening security situation in Okpekpe and neighbouring communities.
Attoh specifically identified the Ebelle-Amughe and Ebelle-Uzanu roads and their surrounding areas as security concerns, urging Governor Okpebholo and security agencies to take immediate action.
She further alleged that about 10 people had been killed by suspected bandits and kidnappers in the community since November 2024.
The latest allegations have renewed calls from the community for stronger security measures to protect residents, travellers, farmers and businesses operating in the area.
