Activist Scott Iguma’s Uncle Kidnapped in Edo, N50 Million Ransom Sparks Panic

 

Edo State plunged into fear and outrage yesterday as news broke that the uncle of prominent activist Scott Iguma had been abducted, with kidnappers reportedly demanding a staggering N50 million ransom.

The audacious attack, which occurred in a quiet residential area, has sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked a nationwide discussion about security, criminal networks, and the safety of public figures and their families.

According to eyewitness reports, the abduction occurred late in the evening when the victim, identified only as Mr.Iguma Sr., was returning home after a routine visit to family members.

Several armed men reportedly ambushed him, forcibly placing him in a waiting vehicle before fleeing into the darkness.

Neighbors described hearing shouting and the sound of multiple vehicles peeling away, leaving behind a scene of confusion, fear, and stunned disbelief.

“The whole street was in panic,” said one neighbor who witnessed the abduction.

“We tried to intervene, but they were too many, too well-armed.

They disappeared in minutes.

It felt like something out of a movie, but it was real, terrifyingly real.

Scott Iguma, a vocal human rights activist known for his outspoken stance against corruption and social injustice, has yet to issue a public statement, but sources close to him say he is “devastated and determined to ensure his uncle’s safe return.

” The family, meanwhile, has reportedly been in direct communication with law enforcement and security agencies, but the large ransom demand has heightened concerns that this is more than a simple kidnapping—it may be a targeted attack designed to intimidate or extort.

Law enforcement officials confirmed the incident, describing it as “an ongoing investigation of high priority.

” A spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command stated: “We are treating this matter with the utmost urgency.

Teams have been deployed to track down the suspects and ensure the safe recovery of the victim.

Negotiations, if any, must be handled carefully to avoid putting the victim at further risk.

The demand of N50 million has further inflamed public concern, highlighting the boldness of the perpetrators.

Analysts suggest that such a high-profile demand is both a signal of the kidnappers’ confidence and a direct message to prominent figures in the state, emphasizing the vulnerability even of families connected to well-known activists or public personalities.

While the motives behind the abduction are still under investigation, several theories have emerged.

Some security experts believe the attack could be politically motivated, given Scott Iguma’s activism and his frequent criticism of local authorities and policy enforcement.

Others suggest the kidnapping may be financially motivated, targeting a wealthy family member of a prominent public figure to leverage a substantial ransom.

Regardless of motive, the act has sent a chilling message across Edo State and beyond: no one is immune from the rising threat of violent crime.

Authorities have called on residents to remain vigilant, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Social media channels have exploded with discussions, speculation, and outrage.

Hashtags demanding the safe return of Mr.Iguma Sr.

have begun trending, with citizens expressing solidarity with the family and condemnation of the perpetrators.

“This is beyond scary,” tweeted one user.

“They target an activist’s family to send a message.

We cannot stay silent.”

Security analysts warn that such incidents are symptomatic of a growing trend in which criminal networks target influential individuals and their families.

In recent years, kidnappings for ransom have increased in Nigeria, with victims ranging from businesspeople to political figures.

The Iguma family case highlights the alarming reach and audacity of these groups, raising urgent questions about preventive measures, law enforcement effectiveness, and community safety protocols.

Local leaders and activists have also spoken out, calling for a swift resolution and stronger security measures.

One prominent activist stated, “Scott has always fought for the rights of the people, often standing up to powerful interests.

That his family is now targeted shows how high the stakes are and how dangerous it is to challenge entrenched systems.

The government must act decisively.

Meanwhile, residents in Edo State are living under heightened tension.

Streets have reportedly seen increased patrols, and private security companies are offering additional protection to prominent families.

The mood in the community is one of fear, anxiety, and anger, as citizens struggle to comprehend how such a brazen attack could occur in a residential area in broad daylight.

Negotiations over the ransom remain shrouded in secrecy, with authorities cautioning against public speculation that could endanger the victim.

However, insiders indicate that law enforcement and security operatives are working around the clock, tracing leads, examining digital evidence, and monitoring communication channels in hopes of recovering Mr.Iguma Sr.safely.

This incident has also sparked a national conversation about the safety of activists and their families, raising concerns about whether public advocacy now carries risks not only to individuals themselves but also to their loved ones.

Scott Iguma, who has been lauded for his courage and commitment to social justice, now faces the added burden of navigating a deeply personal crisis under intense public scrutiny.

Community leaders have urged calm but also action.

“We must support the family while the authorities do their job,” said a local politician.

“At the same time, this is a wake-up call for security in our state.

Citizens should not live in fear in their own homes.

 

As investigations continue, the clock is ticking.

Every hour that passes increases the urgency of safely resolving the situation.

Security experts emphasize that kidnappings of this nature are complex operations, often involving multiple perpetrators, advance planning, and careful execution.

The goal, they say, is to exert maximum pressure on families while minimizing exposure for the criminals themselves.

For now, Edo State watches anxiously as law enforcement teams work tirelessly to track the abductors.

Public sentiment is overwhelmingly sympathetic to the Iguma family, and the growing pressure on authorities underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and swift action.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the family can secure the safe return of Mr.

Iguma Sr.

and whether justice will be served against those responsible.

In a country where the threat of kidnapping looms over both the powerful and the ordinary, this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that activists and their families face.

The audacity of the N50 million ransom demand underscores both the reach of criminal networks and the urgent need for a coordinated security response.

For Scott Iguma, the focus is clear: securing his uncle’s safe return while maintaining his role as a vocal advocate for justice.

For Edo State, the challenge is to demonstrate the capacity to protect its citizens, deter future kidnappings, and respond decisively to the audacity of criminals who seek to terrorize families for profit.

As the story unfolds, one truth is undeniable: the abduction of Scott Iguma’s uncle is more than a personal tragedy—it is a national crisis, a test of law enforcement, and a sobering reflection of the precarious intersection between activism, influence, and personal safety in modern Nigeria.

The nation waits, hoping for swift action, safe resolution, and a message that no family should live under the shadow of fear and extortion.