A community group known as Concerned Sons and Daughters of the Riverine Area in Edo State has reported a sharp increase in kidnappings across five riverine clans—Okomu, Furupagha, Egbema, Gbaran, and Olodiama. The group raised concerns on Sunday, alleging that the peaceful state of the area has been disrupted by criminal activities, which they claim have returned with force.
According to the group’s leaders—Coordinator Hon. Godstime Ogidigba, Vice Coordinator Olu Piriye, and Spokesperson Comrade Daniel Ezekiel—a woman was recently abducted in the Ekheuan area. They claim she was raped in captivity and forced to pay N55 million to regain her freedom.
The group blamed Robert Okubo, a former government appointee, for the unrest. They accused him of introducing kidnapping to the state in 2007 before accepting amnesty. They further claimed that he avoided multiple police invitations regarding criminal allegations and fled the state for over a year during a prior administration. According to them, the riverine communities experienced peace while he was away, but criminal activity resumed once the new administration assumed office.
They allege that previous warnings were issued to security agencies and the former administration about Okubo and his associates. Despite petitions and reported attempts to involve law enforcement, they say Okubo was not held accountable.
In response to these accusations, Okubo denied all involvement. Speaking with Vanguard, he dismissed the group’s legitimacy and maintained that he is a “crime fighter, not a criminal.” He acknowledged hearing about the recent kidnappings but denied any role in them, stating that he has never sent anyone to commit a crime.
He further claimed that the group spreading these allegations had previously used political influence to harass him and other community leaders. He said he has already petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over the matter and insists the current accusations are politically motivated attempts to damage his reputation within the new government.
The situation remains tense, with both sides holding firm to their claims. Security authorities have not yet made a public statement on the case.
