Tension Mounts in Edo Community as Kidnappers Threaten Hostages’ Lives
Residents of Imoga community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State are gripped by fear and uncertainty following threats by gunmen to kill some of the eight persons abducted earlier this month.
The victims were kidnapped on January 9 at the Star Boy Hotel along Ibillo Road, an incident that has since thrown the community into distress.
According to the Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Bode Ekundayo, the abductors have issued repeated warnings aimed at forcing families and community members to meet their ransom demand.
In a statement released on Friday, Ekundayo explained that the criminals initially demanded N100 million for the release of the victims. The amount was later reduced to N80 million and subsequently to N40 million, but the revised figure has still proven beyond the reach of the affected families.
Efforts by the community to raise funds have yielded little result. Ekundayo disclosed that the traditional ruler of Imoga, Oba Patrick Abudu, mobilized town criers and community representatives on January 15 to appeal for donations toward securing the release of the captives.
Despite these efforts, the amount realized remains far below the kidnappers’ demand.
“However, the amount raked in is a far cry from the N40m the kidnappers are demanding. They are unwilling to climb down and are threatening to kill some of the victims to prove that they mean business,” Ekundayo stated.
The atmosphere in the area was further unsettled by another attempted abduction on January 15 involving two brothers from the community, Ojo and Abiodun Ekpo.
Narrating the incident, Ekundayo said the brothers were working on their farm when the attackers struck.
“On 15th January, 2026, kidnappers descended on two brothers, Ojo Ekpo and Abiodun Ekpo, who were working on the farm. The kidnappers first took away Ojo, the elder, who was working on a section of the farm.
“After calling and screaming Ojo’s name to no avail, Abiodun rode his motorcycle to the section of the farm where his brother was supposed to have been working. Suddenly, the kidnappers who had laid an ambush appeared, and Abiodun had to flee, abandoning his motorcycle.
“On reporting his experience back at home, the community vigilantes and youths mobilized and entered the forest in search of the kidnappers and their victim. Somehow, Ojo Ekpo escaped at midnight from the kidnappers, to the joy and relief of the community.”
While Ojo’s escape brought temporary relief, residents remain anxious over the fate of the eight persons still in captivity. Community leaders have renewed calls on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and restore calm to the area.
The incident adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Edo State, where kidnappings and armed attacks have continued to disrupt daily life and economic activities.
As negotiations stall and threats escalate, families of the abducted persons continue to appeal for urgent intervention to prevent further tragedy.
