Kidnapped Edo Residents Freed after 11 Days in Captivity
Kidnapped Edo Residents Freed after 11 Days in Captivity
Seven Imoga community members in Edo State have been released after 11 days in captivity.
They regained their freedom on Monday evening, ending nearly two weeks of distress for their families.
The group was abducted on a Friday night from a hotel along the Imoga-Ibillo Road. They were staying at the facility following a social event when gunmen in military uniforms stormed the premises.
The attackers seized mobile phones and tied up the victims before marching them into a nearby forest.
The use of military camouflage by the kidnappers initially caused significant confusion regarding the identity of the assailants.
Their release was secured after the payment of an undisclosed ransom.
Negotiators managed to lower the kidnappers’ initial demand, which reportedly started as high as ₦100 million before being reduced.
Oba Patrick Obajoye confirmed the release but remains concerned about local insecurity. He is calling for a permanent police presence to protect the border region from persistent attacks by kidnappers and armed groups.
