Gunmen killed, abducted formal LG Chairman’s relatives, Demand N150m ransom in Uromi Edo State
Gunmen have abducted four relatives of John Ebos Yakubu, a former Local government Chairman, demanding a ransom of N150 million for their release.
The victims, including a male and three females—one of whom is Yakubu’s immediate younger sister, Gina-Okojie Ebos—were kidnapped on Thursday 30th January 2025 evening along the dilapidated ubiaja-udakpa-Asaba road in Atani, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Sources revealed the victims were returning from a local market where they had gone to purchase items for the 7-day burial ceremony for their late father-in-law, Elder Moses Okojie, who passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
A family friend disclosed details of the incident, confirming the ransom demand.
“The kidnappers contacted the family on Friday afternoon, requesting N150 million. Negotiations are ongoing, but no ransom has been paid yet, and the victims remain in captivity,” the source said.
On Sunday, 2nd February 2025, the family received a call from Gina that Mrs. Joan Okosun, who is one of the victims, had died due to a long-distance walk, and it was confirmed by the family that Joan had just returned back from the hospital three days before the kidnapping incident. And the corps has not yet been found.
When contacted, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer Joel Yamu confirmed the abduction. He stated that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area had deployed officers to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.
Additionally, Yamu assured the public that every possible measure would be taken to secure the victims’ release and bring the culprits to justice.
The incident underscores the worsening security challenges faced by residents in parts of Edo State.
