Kidnappers Reportedly Free Six New Edo Line Passengers After ₦60m Ransom Pickup at UBA Akpakpava, Benin

Unconfirmed reports making the rounds on social media allege that six passengers abducted on their way to Abuja were released on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, following the delivery of a ₦60 million ransom at a commercial bank in Benin City.

According to the claims, the ransom drop allegedly took place at the UBA Akpakpava Branch, which shares a fence with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Benin. The transaction was said to have been coordinated by one “Mr. Abu,” described as the kidnappers’ contact person who maintained communication with families during negotiations.

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Background of the Abduction

The incident reportedly began on Friday, September 5, when seven armed men attacked a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to New Edo Line and a Toyota Camry on their way to Abuja. Witnesses claimed the attackers, said to include a deserter from the Nigerian Army and identified as Fulani herdsmen, opened heavy gunfire, forcing six passengers into the forest while about 16 others in the bus managed to escape.

The ambush allegedly occurred just meters from police checkpoints and less than 10 kilometers from the Edo State Police Command Headquarters.

The Freed Victims

Those said to have been released include:

• Sandra Omoregie

• Ruth Igbinovia

• Glory Ehizokhale

• Kingsley Obasohan

• Samuel Uwagboe

• Lady Grace Okaighe, a Superintendent of Police serving in Lagos

One of the freed hostages, Kingsley Obasohan, was quoted as expressing outrage at the failure of security agencies.

“It’s unfortunate that Nigeria has sunk this low. The police, especially the Edo State Command, failed us completely. How can kidnappers move freely in the forests and even in Benin City, making ransom calls and driving vehicles with registered plates, while the police are busy harassing youths on the streets? The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, is simply occupying space,” Obasohan was reported as saying.

Relatives’ Accounts on Social Media

Additional accounts shared on Facebook appear to support the claims. Under a post by activist Chris Osa, one user, Sixtus Omokhagbor, stated:

“My cousin was in the New Edo Line. We paid ₦1.5m to rescue her. Her name is Gloria Ikhaghu.”

Another user, Augustina Nwoye Eze, wrote:

“My friend’s husband was killed in this kidnap case. May his soul rest in peace.”

These testimonies suggest that some families paid ransom to free their relatives, while others may have lost loved ones in the attack. However, these remain personal claims posted online and have not been independently verified.

Police Yet to Confirm

As at the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command has not issued any official statement confirming or denying the alleged ransom payments, reported killing, or release of victims. No mainstream national news outlet has independently verified the claims.

Broader Debate on Ransom Payments

The report, whether verified or not, has reignited national debate over the rising trend of ransom payments in Nigeria. While families often view such payments as a last resort to save loved ones, security experts argue that ransom negotiations only embolden criminal networks and fuel the growing wave of abductions across the country.

Edo and neighboring states have, in recent years, recorded frequent attacks along highways, despite repeated assurances from security agencies of increased patrols and intelligence-driven operations.

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