Residents seek action against kidnappings, killings in Edo communities

Indigenes and residents of Auchi and its environs in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State have called on President Bola Tinubu and the military high command to intervene over the incessant kidnapping and killing in the area.

The residents made the call on Thursday in an open letter by the Concerned Residents and Youths of Auchi Sacred Kingdom and Surrounding Communities, signed by Abdul Maleeq, and copied to the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Governor Monday Okpebholo, among others.

PUNCH Metro reports that the latest in the series of kidnappings occurred on Sunday, April 19, when a young man identified as Christopher was killed, while his female acquaintance was abducted and has yet to be released.

The incident reportedly took place about 100 metres from a checkpoint at a location popularly known as the Fertiliser Checkpoint along the Auchi–Igarra Road, an area that has become a regular hotspot for violent kidnappings despite the presence of soldiers.

The area is also known as Igbira Camp and is less than three kilometres from the Nigerian Army School of Mechanical Engineering, yet kidnappers are said to operate freely there.

In the open letter, the residents alleged that on one occasion, indigenous vigilantes and hunters acted on intelligence that kidnappers were hiding in the bush, but when they moved to the area, soldiers at the checkpoint allegedly delayed them for nearly two hours, allowing the suspected kidnappers to escape.

The letter read, ‘We write this petition from a place of deep pain, fear, and frustration. For too long, our area has been plagued by relentless kidnapping, violence, and insecurity.

“The soldier checkpoint at Fertiliser Junction, Igbira Camp axis, meant to protect us, has instead become a symbol of abandonment, inaction, and alleged misconduct.

“These are not isolated events. The Igbira Camp area and nearby axis have become notorious for abductions, with multiple incidents involving residents, including cases near City Pride Road and attempts on traders and workers along the Auchi–Igarra route. Families live in constant fear, with kidnappers striking even in broad daylight or near supposed security outposts.

“We acknowledge that the Nigerian Army has conducted operations in the broader Auchi area, neutralising some suspects and rescuing victims in forests. However, these efforts have not translated into visible protection or rapid response at this specific checkpoint.”

They also accused the soldiers of alleged extortion at the checkpoint and demanded a probe into its operations.

The residents further called for a review of the activities of soldiers stationed there and appropriate disciplinary action against any personnel found culpable.