22/08/2025
Ikakumo Community, Akoko Edo Local Government Area is under siege by Kidnappers and in dire need of government attention.
The rate at which kidnapping is rampant in Edo North is giving concerned Edo People sleepless nights while those charged with the responsibility of providing security for the people are sleeping like children that have no stress in life.
It is very obvious that government at all levels have failed woefully in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities of providing security inline with Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
For example, lkakumo Community, Akoko Edo Local Government Area is under siege by Kidnappers and has witnessed cases of kidnapping where ransom have been paid to free the victims of kidnapping.
In May 2024, Mr. Julius Olope and Mr. Oye Oloba were kidnapped.
Ransom of ₦10 million was allegedly paid to the Kidnappers to secure their freedom.
That same 2024, along Ikakumo–Ikiran-Oke Road, Mr. Aderopo, his wife, Mr. Ozau and his wife were also kidnapped.
Information reaching us from grapevine is that in April 2025:
Mr. J.K. Balogun was kidnapped right inside his house at about 8PM and ransom of ₦4 million was allegedly paid to the rustlers , till date , he has not been released to reunite with his family.
On the 19th day of August 2025 at about 5:30 PM, Hon. Chief Lamidi Balogun, a cousin of the kidnapped J.K. Balogun was again abducted, according to reports, the Kidnappers are allegedly demanding ₦135 million for his release. Only God knows who the next victim is. Edo State is a state where we rely on Almighty God to provide security for the people. Edo State cannot be shining when people are suffocating in the dens of kidnappers.
There is no need to consult the Oracle of the Hill and cave to tell us that Kidnapping is now a flourishing and lucrative business in Edo North owing to the ineptitude and lackadaisical attitude of Government and security agencies who lack the manpower and technological know-how to stem the tide of the activities of dreaded marauders. We need action now.
I want to use this medium of lamentation to graciously appeal to his Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo to provide technological assistance to the security agencies to act effectively.
As it is today, the Police Divisions have no patrol vehicles including the Tactical teams of Edo State Police Commands. Where are the Toyota Hilux Vans purchased by Senator Monday Okpebholo to fight crime?
The Anti open grazing law should be activated stupendously while the Government provides weapons for local hunters and vigilantes who will complement the efforts of the Police, DSS and other security agencies in curbing the menace of kidnapping.
End Kidnapping in Edo North now
