A heartbreaking scene has emerged after kidnappers demanded a huge ransom for the release of a young woman abducted along the busy Benin–Lagos Expressway.
The victim, Christiana, was among passengers travelling in an 18-seater GUO Transport bus when armed men attacked the vehicle. During the violent incident, the driver was reportedly killed while several passengers were forcibly taken away into nearby bushes.
However, what has drawn more public attention is the emotional plea from her mother, who has been seen in a viral video begging for help.
The distraught widow said she is unable to raise the ransom demand placed on her daughter.
According to her, the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million for Christiana’s release. Meanwhile, she said she has been struggling to negotiate due to her financial situation.
“They came to kidnap my pikin for road and they called me say make I bring N50 million. I no get N50 million. Abeg, I dey beg for N10 million. Dem never answer me. Abeg, make people help me,” she cried in pidgin English.
According to the woman, the kidnappers had already issued a deadline for payment, which has further increased panic within the family.
She further explained that she is a widow and has been solely responsible for raising her children since the death of her husband. In addition, she said the situation has left her completely helpless.
“I be widow. Christiana no get papa… Make una help me. I no know where I wan go,” she said.
A bank account believed to belong to the grieving mother has been circulated online alongside the video. The account is reportedly being used to gather donations from kind-hearted Nigerians willing to assist.
Meanwhile, attempts to get an official reaction from the police were unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, were not returned at the time of filing this report.
However, the incident has once again highlighted growing insecurity along the Benin–Lagos corridor. Furthermore, residents and transport operators have continued to raise alarm over repeated attacks on travelers.
Therefore, calls for stronger security presence along highways have intensified.
