Two brothers who were abducted along the Adughe–Imoga Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have regained their freedom after their kidnappers allegedly fell asleep in the forest.
The victims, identified as Isaac and Victor Olayere, were kidnapped on November 8, leading to panic in their community after the abductors demanded ₦22 million as ransom.
Confirming the development, the Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, told The PUNCH in a telephone interview that the brothers seized the opportunity to escape when the kidnappers unexpectedly dozed off.
“The two brothers were taken deep into the bush after their abduction. While the family was still negotiating the ₦22 million ransom the kidnappers demanded, we were later informed that the abductors suddenly fell into a deep sleep, giving the victims the chance to run,” the monarch said.
The brothers were reportedly found by vigilantes in Adughe, a neighboring Kogi community that speaks the same Okpameri language as Imoga. The vigilantes then alerted Imoga residents, who mobilized youths to comb the forest, although the kidnappers had already fled.
Oba Obajoye raised concern over the growing wave of kidnappings and attacks in the border communities, stressing that Imoga currently lacks a police formation despite its strategic location.
“Kidnapping and attacks by armed herders have become too frequent here. Imoga covers a large territory and links Edo to the northern part of the country. We urgently need a police post so officers can patrol regularly and assure residents of safety,” he appealed.
The monarch noted that despite the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security and equip agencies, kidnapping remains a persistent threat in the region.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who assumed office in November 2024, has embarked on various infrastructural and security initiatives. However, rural communities like Imoga continue to experience repeated incidents of abduction.
