By: Our Correspondent.

Amid the rising incident of insecurity and abductions in Edo State, suspected armed kidnappers on Saturday evening abducted a family in the Ugbowo axis of Benin City, Edo State, triggering panic among residents and underscoring growing concerns over insecurity in the state.

The incident occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, along Hillary Adiki Street, Ugbowo, according to eyewitness accounts.

The victims were identified as Mrs Ewemade Amadasun, her husband Mr Amadasun Osarhiemen Friday, and their two children, who were reportedly attacked while attempting to leave the area in their vehicle.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants, believed to be heavily armed, suddenly blocked the family’s car and opened fire indiscriminately, forcing residents and road users to flee for safety.

The attackers were said to have carried out the operation in a coordinated manner, suggesting prior knowledge of the victims’ movements.

During the attack, the gunmen reportedly forcibly seized the family and drove them away to an unknown destination, leaving behind fear and confusion in the neighbourhood.

Residents described the incident as terrifying, noting that gunshots echoed across the area for several minutes. Some residents expressed worry that the current spate of insecurity and kidnapping in the state appears to have defied various measures put in place to combat the menace.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Edo State Command of the Nigerian Police, SP Joel Yamu, said the Command was yet to receive a briefing on the reported abduction as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, residents are calling for improved security presence and intelligence-driven policing in the area as investigations continue into the whereabouts of the abducted family.