On February 8, a police officer and four other individuals were abducted by kidnappers in two separate incidents in Akoko Edo, Edo State, Nigeria. The first incident involved a female student named Tope Oriloye and Samuel Ilesanmi, who was at a community health center seeking medical attention for his son. This alarming surge in kidnapping-related violence has created a sense of fear within the local community, prompting the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People to highlight the issue.

The second incident occurred at the home of the kidnappers' next target, Police Inspector Segun Obanowa. The armed gang invaded Obanowa's residence, resulting in the abduction of the inspector along with his wife and daughter. His wife was reportedly released with the condition that she would gather the ransom money required for the safe return of her family.

The kidnappers have contacted the families of the abducted individuals, demanding a ransom of N100 million. This rise in abductions for ransom has highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in regions prone to violent crime, raising urgent discussions on how law enforcement and local authorities can better address and counter these threats.