The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a man, identified as Friday Pius, and the abduction of his pregnant wife and her sister by suspected kidnappers in the Uluoke community of Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area.
According to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, police operatives have been deployed to the area and are working in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters to track down the attackers and rescue the victims.
“The command is aware. Necessary deployments have been made.
Our men are currently engaged in bush-combing operations aimed at rescuing the victims,” Yamu said.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., when gunmen invaded the victim’s residence.
Witnesses reported that Mr. Pius was shot and killed, while his pregnant wife and her sister were abducted.
His three children were found crying beside his body after the assailants fled.
Residents, initially too frightened to respond to the gunfire, discovered the scene after the attackers had left.
“When people eventually came out, they found the man in a pool of blood. His wife and sister-in-law were gone,” a local source said.
In the aftermath, women from the community staged a protest, calling for urgent government intervention and enhanced security.
One of the protesters, identified as Rashidetu, said the demonstration was fueled not only by the tragic incident but also by a general sense of insecurity in the area.
“We can’t go to our farms anymore.
Herdsmen have taken over, destroying crops to feed their cattle and attacking or kidnapping anyone who challenges them,” she said.
She urged security agencies to take swift action, stating that fear has gripped the community and residents can no longer safely pursue their livelihoods.