The indigenes of Igarra community, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, have imposed curfew on themselves following incessant kidnapping in the area.

The indigenes, who also pronounced a ban on night burial dances in the town and its environs, said movement is restricted from 9 pm to 6 am.

This is coming barely 24 hours after the wife of the Chairman of the Youth Group in the community, Ubani Okuo, was kidnapped on Tuesday night while arriving home from her shop.

Okuo’s wife’s kidnap came barely 24 hours after seven indigenes of Imoga community in the same local government were released by kidnappers on Monday evening after the payment of an undisclosed ransom.

Speaking on the development, His Royal Highness, Oba Adeche Saiki, the paramount ruler of Igarra/Akuku Clan, said: “It is true, we suspect that these bad people now stay with us and may even be drinking with our people before they carry out their acts in the night.

“It is a joint agreement between the local government area chairman, the police and the traditional institution. It Is expected to be carried out in the whole of the local government area.”

Confirming the kidnap, the Edo State Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Eno Ikoedem, said, “We received a case of suspected kidnapping. The Commissioner of Police has ordered Divisional Police Officers in the area to join hands in the rescue effort.”

The Guardian reported that seven indigenes of Imoga community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, who were abducted on January 9, 2026, have been released by the kidnappers.

The victims, who were abducted during their lodge at Star Boy Hotel on Imoga-Ibillo Road, were released on Monday after the payment of an undisclosed ransom, the Coordinator, Movement for the Advancement of Akoko-Edo People, Dr Bode Ekundayo, told journalists.

Ekundayo, who said the victims have been reunited with their families, added that they were “released after the payment of a huge ransom.”Recall that on January 11, the gunmen demanded N100 million for the release of the victims. After negotiations, the ransom was reduced to N70 million, then to N40 million.

However, when asked how much was paid for the victims’ release, Ekundayo stated that he was not in a position to provide the information.

He also said that the eighth person who escaped during the kidnapping is also receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.”I can tell you that they have been reunited with their family after the community secured their release. It is a sad experience, and we hope that they will overcome the effect.”He also said that the police have been informed about the release of their indigene, noting that the community is happy about the return of their brothers and sisters.

The Royal father of Imoga, Oba Patrick Abudu, in a phone interview, said he met with the victims on Tuesday, adding that the community is in a jubilant mood. (The Guardian)

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