Gunmen have killed a woman and abducted her elderly husband in Ubuneke-Ivbiaro community, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, demanding ₦100 million for his release.

The attack occurred around 8:00 pm on Sunday when armed men stormed the residence of Mr. Arimazoya Abona, who is reportedly in his 70s. According to eyewitnesses, the assailants shot his wife in the neck before forcibly taking Mr. Abona away.

Local residents, alerted by gunshots, rushed to the scene only to discover the woman's lifeless body in a pool of blood outside the house while her husband had been taken captive.

Reports indicate the kidnappers accessed the community through a bush path in the Ivbiaro-Auchi-Ikpeshi forest. Community youths immediately mobilized and pursued the abductors into the forest but were unable to rescue the victim.

The incident was reported to the Afuze Divisional Police Headquarters, but authorities allegedly did not respond to the distress call until 8:00 am the following day. Police officers eventually visited the crime scene alongside Nigerian Army personnel, and the deceased woman's body has been deposited in a morgue.

The kidnappers have since contacted the family, demanding a ransom of ₦100 million for Mr. Abona's release.

Community Under Siege

This incident marks the latest in a series of violent attacks in the once-peaceful farming community. On March 8, 2024, gunmen killed Mr. Danjuma Emokpaire at his farm in the same community. His body was discovered the following day when concerned family members and youths organized a search party.

Chief Isah Umoru Osikhekhai, the Village Head of Ivbiokhulotor community, described the killing and abduction as "barbaric and unfortunate," lamenting that the previously peaceful area has been transformed into "a killing field by unknown gunmen."

"It is worrisome that the community that is well known for peace has now been turned into something else by gunmen who are now kidnapping and killing my people," Chief Osikhekhai stated.

The village head further expressed concern about the impact on farming activities, noting that residents are now afraid to visit their farms during the crucial planting season. "We are farmers, because of the activities of these gunmen, people no longer go to the farm. If our people don't farm, where are we going to get food to eat and take care of our families?" he questioned.

Chief Osikhekhai has appealed to the Edo State Government, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Professor Julius Ihonvbere (representing Owan Federal Constituency), local lawmakers, and security agencies to intervene urgently. "We are helpless. We need help before these gunmen kill us all," he pleaded.

The community has suffered previous attacks, including a kidnapping last year where a ransom was paid for the victim's release. In another incident on May 15, 2017, suspected armed herdsmen reportedly assaulted a couple on their farm, beating the husband and sexually assaulting his wife.

As of the time of reporting, authorities have not issued an official statement regarding rescue efforts for the abducted Mr. Abona.