Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed a man identified as Ilabeshi Okhale and abducted his two children in Afokpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident reportedly occurred on December 11 at Kalabar Quarters when the assailants forcefully entered the victim’s residence late at night. According to a resident, the attackers deliberately switched off Okhale’s generator to lure him outside. When he came out to investigate, he was attacked with machetes and sustained severe injuries that later led to his death.
After attacking him, the gunmen abducted his twin children, Emmanuel and Emmanuella, both aged 16, and fled into the bush. The kidnappers were said to have later demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from the family.
Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the twins have since been rescued unhurt. She explained that police officers responded promptly after receiving the report and rushed the victim to Ajie Hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His body was later deposited at the Santa Maria Morgue in Jattu for autopsy.
Ikoedem added that a joint security team comprising the police, army, Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and local vigilantes carried out extensive bush combing operations, leading to the successful rescue of the abducted children and their reunion with their family.
She noted that investigations are ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack.
While acknowledging the state government’s efforts to strengthen security through the provision of operational vehicles and equipment, residents say criminal elements continue to exploit gaps to carry out attacks in some communities.