By Peace Erewunmi

A fresh wave of insecurity has unsettled communities in Edo State following the killing of a 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, and the abduction of several residents in separate attacks by suspected kidnappers.

According to reports, the student, whose identity had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting, was abducted alongside a woman after gunmen invaded his residence. The student was later killed by the assailants, while the woman’s condition remains unclear.

In a separate incident in the Idoa community of Esan West Local Government Area, suspected kidnappers abducted the secretary to the community’s palace and three children while the victims were repairing a broken-down vehicle. Family members disclosed that the abductors later contacted them, demanding a ₦30 million ransom and threatening to kill the victims if the demand was not met.

The incidents have heightened fears among residents, who are calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state. Community leaders have also urged the government to strengthen security in vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks.

As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incidents. Investigations are expected to continue as security agencies work to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.