Kidnappers threaten Edo victims over N40m ransom

Gunmen have reportedly threatened to kill some of the eight indigenes of Imoga, Edo State, who were kidnapped at the Star Boy Hotel located along Ibillo Road on January 9.

The Coordinator, Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Bode Ekundayo, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Ekundayo noted that the kidnappers made the threat to show the community and families of the victims that they “meant business.”

He said the kidnappers started by demanding N100m as ransom, later reduced it to N80m, and then down to N40m, which was difficult for community members and families to raise.

Ekundayo said the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Patrick Abudu, sent out the town criers and spokesmen around the community on January 15 to solicit more funds to raise the ransom.

“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,” he added.

Ekundayo also said two brothers, Ojo and Abiodun Ekpo, who are members of the community, escaped abduction on Thursday.

He said, “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.”(Punch)