Following the kidnap incident at Star Boy Hotel along the Ibillo–Imoga Road on January 9, 2026, and the subsequent call for intervention by the Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has deployed a special anti-terrorism crack team and police detectives to the area.
The team has been mandated to carry out intensive rescue operations and sustain round-the-clock surveillance across the local government area. They are tasked with apprehending the captors of Mr. Lucky Obaloju, the hotel owner, and other occupants who were taken hostage, as well as maintaining regular security patrols to forestall further security breaches.
Speaking on the development, the chairman stated:
“On Monday this week, our gallant personnel from the Edo State Security Network foiled a kidnap attempt by suspected Fulani herdsmen dressed in army uniforms along the Lampese–Bekuma–Makeke Road.
“We were again taken aback this morning when we learnt that the same syndicate of armed bandits infiltrated Star Boy Hotel along the Ibillo–Imoga Road and abducted the owner and six other occupants, making seven victims in total.
“Our call for intervention has resulted in the deployment of more police personnel from Benin City. As a government, we feel the pains of our people. The Governor has given us marching orders to put an end to this ugly trend, and in the next couple of days, everything will be brought under control.”
The statement reassured residents of the council’s commitment to ensuring safety and restoring peace in the area.
Okolo Jonathan Okhavhe
Public Relations Officer,
Akoko-Edo Local Government Council.
