New Edo Line Kidnapp: Victims’ Families Appeal To Gov Okpebholo
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
Families of the 10 victims of New Edo Line passengers kidnapped along Benin-Ore road have appealed to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo to help in the release of the 10 passengers.
The victims were kidnapped on 3rd November, 2026 along Benin-Ore road and a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were on their way to Orientation camp was among the victims.
Narrating her last telephone conversation with her daughter to the Aljazirah Nigeria correspondent Mrs. Winifred Okonofua said her daughter left Benin for Ibadan on the 3rd of November, for her NYSC Orientation camp.
Mrs. Okonofua stated that she keep monitoring her daughter on her way to the Ibadan until when she called her at about 4.00pm she told her that they were at Ore.
She disclosed that at about 8.00pm, it was a woman that picked the call and told her that the lady who owed the phone was among the occupants of New Edo Line that were kidnapped.
“When I called my daughter again at about 8.00pm, a woman said I thought I spoke with you earlier. The owner of this phone has been kidnapped. I am an officer, I can’t remember her name,” she stated.
Mrs. Okonofua added that she has made contact with the management of the New Edo Line who promised her that the government is doing everything possible to ensure that the victims are released unhurt.
When asked if the kidnappers has made their demand, she said yes, that the kidnappers first requested for N20 million for each victim and later reduced to N10 million.
She disclosed that her daughter called and said, “Mommy, please help me call everybody. Tell everybody we are kidnapped,” while appealing to Governor Monday Okpebholo to come to their rescue.
