Aisha Wahab, a Nigerian woman kidnapped last week at Igbira Camp in Auchi, Edo State, has pleaded for urgent public assistance after her abductors set a deadly ultimatum. The gunmen demanded a ransom of ₦20 million, giving her family only a few hours to raise the money or risk her execution.

In a harrowing video circulating online, a visibly terrified Aisha begged Nigerians to help pay her ransom, with an armed captor pointing a gun at her head and chest. The video was accompanied by a message stating: “Kidnappers force victim, Aisha Wahab, to record a video and beg Nigerians to help her raise ₦20M ransom, otherwise she would be killed. She was kidnapped at Igbira Camp, Auchi, Edo, one week ago.”

Residents of Auchi and Edo State have condemned the rising wave of kidnappings, calling it a “lucrative business” thriving under government inaction. They criticized the state government for failing to provide adequate security, accusing officials of prioritizing the arrest of human rights activists over tracking violent criminals.

Locals recalled a similar case in July 2025 when two seminarians were abducted from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Auchi, and a NSCDC officer was killed. Despite ransom reportedly being paid, the victims have yet to be released.

Residents are now urging Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo State’s Chief Security Officer, to take immediate action to curb the growing insecurity that has turned the state into a dangerous environment for both residents and travelers.

Aisha’s family is still struggling to meet the ransom demand, and the public has been called upon to assist in securing her safe release.

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