Suspected Fulani herdsmen have reportedly kidnapped a retired headmaster, identified as Mr. Eliaser Olorunloju, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident occurred near a Fulani settlement between Sasaro and Ayetoro, along the dilapidated Igarra–Uneme-Nekhua–Ibillo Road, a route long notorious for criminal attacks.
According to reports, Olorunloju was returning to his hometown, Ugboshi-Ele, from Igarra, the local government headquarters, where he had gone to photocopy documents in preparation for his son’s resumption at a tertiary institution, when he was abducted.
Kidnappers Demand N70 Million
It was gathered on Monday that the abductors have already contacted the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of ₦70 million for his release.
The Director of Operations and Strategy of the Concerned Minds Initiative of Akoko-Edo (CMIA), Comrade Victor Arogunyo, confirmed the development, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of insecurity in the area.
“The incident occurred around Aiyetoro–Somorika Junction, close to a Fulani settlement on the Ibillo–Uneme–Nekhua–Igarra Road,” Arogunyo told journalists. “This is another sad reminder that Akoko-Edo is under siege. In the last few months, this is about the fifth kidnapping to happen at that same spot.”
He said the location of the attacks — just minutes from a known camp — makes it clear that security measures in the region are failing.
“The government must act quickly. I spoke with the victim’s traditional ruler, and he confirmed the kidnappers called on Sunday evening, demanding ₦70 million,” he added.
Insecurity Deepens in Edo North
Arogunyo blamed the rising wave of abductions and violent crimes on a combination of factors, including deplorable road conditions, criminal herders, poor security funding, low morale among vigilantes, and weak prosecution of suspects.
Residents of Akoko-Edo have repeatedly appealed to both state and federal authorities to intervene, warning that continued neglect could turn the region into a safe haven for criminal gangs.
As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement regarding the kidnapping.
