Tension gripped the Isibhelua Quarters in the Ihumudumu area of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Monday evening after three boys were reportedly abducted from their hostel by suspected armed kidnappers and taken into a nearby forest.
A visit to the area on Tuesday showed that the hostel had been vacated by its remaining occupants, who left in search of safety as fear spread through the community.
Residents of Ekpoma and surrounding areas have continued to express concern over the incident, urging Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and relevant security agencies to take urgent action to improve safety in the locality.
Some community members, reacting to the development, called for clearer communication from the state government regarding its plans to address insecurity and protect vulnerable communities. Others emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between residents and security operatives to curb kidnapping and related crimes.
The Edo State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident at the time of this report.
