BREAKING: Armed kidnappers abduct nursing student and two cousins in Auchi, Edo State
Auchi, Edo State – 1 March 2026
Armed men have abducted a nursing student from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, along with two of her cousins during a home invasion in Auchi, Edo State.
The victim, Ilegieuno Stephanie (also referred to as Stephannie), had recently completed her pre-council examinations and was preparing to sit the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) professional licensing exams in May.
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According to accounts shared by a coursemate with Fellow Nurses Africa, the incident unfolded when the victims’ uncle returned home from his shop in the evening. One of the young women in the household opened the gate for him, at which point the kidnappers emerged from hiding. The uncle attempted to flee and was shot but survived the injury; he is receiving treatment in hospital and his condition is described as stable.
The assailants then forced the young woman back into the house at gunpoint and abducted her together with Stephanie and another cousin present inside, taking all three away.
The kidnappers have since contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₦200 million (approximately £95,000 at current exchange rates), with reports indicating threats to harm one of the victims if payment is not made promptly.
A public appeal flyer circulated by the family and supporters lists donation details as follows:
- Bank: Globus Bank
- Account number: 2003452334
- Account name: Yamah Rose Onoshoabae
The family has stressed that no amount is too small and urged contributions to help secure the victims’ release.
The abduction is the latest in a troubling wave of kidnappings in the Auchi–Ekpoma corridor of Edo State. In recent months the area has seen multiple reported cases, including the abduction of medical professionals, university students, and residents, prompting protests by students at Ambrose Alli University and calls for stronger security measures.
Healthcare professionals and advocacy groups have expressed alarm at the targeting of young graduates entering critical service roles amid Nigeria’s ongoing shortage of nurses and doctors.
Edo State Police Command has not yet issued an official statement on this specific incident. Security experts note that ransom demands in the region have escalated in some cases, reflecting the persistent challenge of banditry and organised crime in parts of southern Nigeria.
The nursing community is urging swift intervention by security agencies and greater protection for healthcare workers and students.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local authorities or trusted family representatives.
Further updates will follow as more details emerge.
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