By our reporter 13.3.2026
Police in Edo State said they have launched a manhunt for gunmen who killed a palace chief Jacob Ojemai, injured his wife and kidnapped his two daughters.
The gunmen last week invaded Chief Ojemai’s home in Idoa community, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. Chief Ojemai was shot dead instantly by the gunmen who inflicted machete cuts on his wife and then took away his two days.
According to family a source the gunmen demanded for ₦40 million ransom for the release of the victims. The sum was later negotiated down to ₦20 million. The family and the community are now rallying round to gather the money and have the ladies freed.
“Community members are making efforts to see how they can raise the ransom for the daughters to regain their freedom from captivity,” the source said.
The traditional ruler of the area, the Onojie of Idoa, Alhaji Amedu Momoh, confirmed the incident and raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation in the community.
“Gunmen have been terrorizing this community,” the monarch said, calling on the state government and security agencies to beef up patrols and protect lives and property.
Confirming the incident, Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said operatives have been deployed to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims unharmed.
“We have commenced a manhunt for the gunmen and are working to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped daughters,” Ikoedem said.