23 August 2026 · Cult/gang violence
Security in Esan South-East
OpenWatch has recorded 29 security incidents in Esan South-East Local Government Area, Edo State, with 8 in the last 12 months. That is 3% of every incident recorded in the state, making it 8 of 14 among the Edo LGAs with enough reporting to profile.
Incidents · 12 mo
8
Fatalities · 12 mo
5
Incidents · all-time
29
Fatalities · all-time
16
Latest reported incidents in Esan South-East
Most recent involve kidnapping, gender-based violence, cult/gang violence, law enforcement operation
9 August 2026 · Kidnapping
The Edo State Police Command rescued a kidnap victim, neutralised one suspected kidnapper and recovered ₦1.5 million ransom during a joint forest operation in Esan South-East LGA.
28 July 2026 · Law enforcement operation
A joint NDLEA and Nigerian Army team raided a four-bedroom bungalow in Illushi community, Esan South-East LGA, Edo State, used as a cannabis warehouse, seizing 1,359kg of cannabis and cannabis seeds. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.
19 June 2026 · Kidnapping
A woman was kidnapped at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, Edo State, but was later rescued by the police, leading to the arrest of a gang member involved in the incident.
19 June 2026 · Kidnapping
Two suspects were arrested for the abduction and sexual assault of a teenage girl in Ewohimi, Edo State. The victim was rescued and a ransom was demanded during the incident.
8 May 2026 · Kidnapping
The Edo State Special Security Squad demolished a building in Ubiaja linked to kidnapping activities and arrested nine suspects during a raid in Irrua. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the area.
25 February 2026 · Assassination
A farmer was allegedly murdered and buried in a shallow grave in the Ewato community of Esan South East LGA, Edo State. Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
17 February 2026 · Kidnapping
Police in Edo State arrested a Nigerien national and two others for their involvement in kidnapping activities. During a security operation, one suspect was neutralized in a gun duel while attempting to evade arrest.
13 January 2025 · Gender-based violence
A middle-aged man was arrested for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl in Ewhohimi community, Edo State. The victim sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital.
9 January 2025 · Gender-based violence
A woman was arrested for allegedly inflicting injuries on her 15-year-old maid's genitals using a heated metal object. The incident occurred in Uromi, Edo State, and the victim was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Other areas in Edo
About these figures
Counts cover incidents recorded in Esan South-East LGA, excluding retracted reports and duplicates merged into an earlier report, and update hourly. Last recorded: 23 August 2026.
Reported numbers are a floor, not a census. Local government areas differ enormously in how closely they are covered by the press, so a low count reflects both a safer area and a quieter one. Coverage in this record is densest from 2026 onward. See the full Edo profile for state-level context, or the methodology for how incidents are collected.
Track Esan South-East live on the incident map.