Two brothers who were kidnapped along the Adughe–Imoga Road in Edo State have regained their freedom in unusual circumstances after their abductors reportedly fell asleep in the forest.
The victims, identified as Isaac and Victor Olayere, were seized on 8 November, sparking tension in Uma/Imoga community after the kidnappers demanded a N22 million ransom.
While family members were still trying to raise the sum, the brothers reportedly called their father with an unknown number to announce their escape.
Confirming the development in a telephone interview with The PUNCH on Monday, the Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, said the victims took advantage of a moment when the kidnappers had dozed off.
“The two brothers were kidnapped along Adughe–Imoga Road and taken deep into the forest,” the monarch said. “The abductors demanded N22 million ransom, which caused panic in the community. I reported the incident to the Ibillo Police Station.
“It was said that the kidnappers suddenly went into a deep sleep in the forest, giving the victims an opportunity to flee. They were later found by vigilantes from Adughe, a neighbouring Kogi community that speaks the same Okpameri language as Uma/Imoga.
“The vigilantes alerted Imoga residents, and our youths mobilised into the forest, but the kidnappers had already escaped.”
Oba Obajoye lamented the rising cases of abduction and armed herder attacks in the area, appealing to the government to establish a police post in Imoga.
“We need a police presence here,” he said. “If a police post is created, officers can patrol the area regularly and reassure residents of safety. Imoga is the largest village in Akoko Edo by landmass, and many herders have entered the area in large numbers. It also serves as a vital link between Edo State and the northern region.”
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who took office in November 2024, has introduced a raft of initiatives aimed at improving security, infrastructure, and education, alongside empowering women in governance.
However, despite the provision of new patrol vehicles and equipment to security agencies, kidnapping remains a pressing concern.
The state’s security crisis intensified earlier this year when, on 28 March, a mob in Uromi, Edo Central, lynched seven travellers after guns were found in their vehicle, amid suspicions of kidnapping.
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