Edo State, Nigeria – The tranquil life of residents in Ewoh community of Ovia North East Local Government Area was shattered on May 9, 2026, when armed kidnappers stormed the home of Miss Favour Nosakhare, 66, along with her daughters, Miss Annabel Osasere, 28, and Miss Rejoice Okhue Imire, 26. What started as an ordinary day quickly spiraled into a nightmare, leaving families in a state of shock and communities fearful for their safety.
Eyewitness accounts describe the horrifying scene: heavily armed men forcibly dragged the women into a nearby forest, where they endured relentless trekking through difficult terrain, often walking throughout the night while resting only briefly during the day. As days passed, the kidnappers escalated their torment by demanding ransom payments via video calls, showing the victims being tortured in an effort to pressure their families.
The ordeal was particularly harrowing for the elderly Miss Favour Nosakhare. During one exchange, the kidnappers explicitly asked her age, and upon learning she was 66, she was separated from the group along with another adult and a 15-year-old boy. Accounts from the surviving victims reveal that during this time, the captors debated over whether to kill them, and ultimately, a single gunshot was fired that fatally struck Miss Favour, leaving her family in devastating grief upon later confirmation of her death.
Authorities acted swiftly following the distressing video evidence. The Edo State Police Command, alongside the Violent Crime Response Unit and Police Drone Unit, launched intensive aerial and ground operations in and around Ovia North East and neighboring communities. Officers combed through remote forests, power line corridors, and suspected hideouts for days in pursuit of the criminals, overcoming challenging terrain and dangerous encounters with armed suspects.
A breakthrough came on May 19, when operatives tracked the gang to a location deep in the forest. A fierce gunfight ensued, resulting in injuries to the suspects and the recovery of critical evidence, including a blood-soaked jacket and spent AK-47 rounds. These items suggested that some members of the gang had been seriously wounded during the clash.
Following the confrontation, 23-year-old Musa Aruna, a known member of a criminal syndicate responsible for kidnappings and armed robberies along the Benin-Lagos and Old Benin-Akure Road corridors, was apprehended. He reportedly sustained a gunshot wound during the operation and confessed to his role in the abduction of the three women. Aruna provided investigators with crucial intelligence that ultimately led them to a forest in Ogwa community, where two decomposing bodies were found on June 2, 2026.
One of the bodies was positively identified by relatives as Miss Favour Nosakhare, bringing devastating confirmation of her death. While authorities have not disclosed the exact circumstances, it is believed that the elderly woman endured extreme fear, exhaustion, and isolation, left powerless and surrounded by armed captors in a remote area where help could not easily reach her. The discovery marked the painful end of weeks of uncertainty for her family, who had clung to hope for her safe return.
Survivors’ testimonies paint a harrowing picture of the kidnappers’ methods. Victims were forced to trek long distances, endure beatings, and witness the killing of other captives. Families who attempted to negotiate ransom amounts faced aggressive threats and violence, illustrating the cold and calculated nature of the syndicate. These accounts have sparked outrage across Nigeria, with citizens demanding stricter enforcement and accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Edo State Police Command has pledged to intensify operations, targeting the remaining members of the gang. Tactical and intelligence-driven strategies are being employed to locate and apprehend additional suspects, with the goal of bringing them swiftly before the law. Authorities have reassured the public that efforts to dismantle the syndicate will continue until full justice is served.
Public reactions highlight a mixture of grief, fear, and anger. Residents emphasize the urgent need for improved security in Edo State and stronger community policing to prevent further kidnappings. Meanwhile, families of the victims continue to mourn Miss Favour Nosakhare, whose tragic death underscores the brutality of the kidnapping epidemic affecting Nigeria. Calls for nationwide attention have intensified, advocating for government intervention, stricter laws, and community vigilance.
This tragic incident is not isolated but part of a larger pattern of organized kidnappings across southeastern Nigeria. Syndicates target vulnerable individuals and families, often using intimidation, violence, and ransom demands as leverage. Analysts warn that without proactive policing and community engagement, such crimes may continue to escalate, leaving families in perpetual fear.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement is focusing on dismantling the operational networks of these criminal gangs. Surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community cooperation remain critical to preventing future tragedies. Families of survivors are urging that lessons be learned to protect other communities from similar horror stories.
The heart-wrenching story of Miss Favour Nosakhare and her daughters serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by organized crime and the human cost of kidnapping in Nigeria. Communities are urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and support law enforcement efforts to bring perpetrators to justice. The Edo State authorities continue their mission to restore security and safety in the affected areas.
