Abducted brothers escape as kidnappers sleep off after demanding N22m ransom

Two brothers kidnapped along Adughe–Imoga Road in Edo State, have regained their freedom after their abductors reportedly fell asleep in the forest.

The brothers, identified as Isaac and Victor Olayere, were abducted on November 8, throwing the Uma/Imoga community into confusion after the kidnappers demanded N22 million as ransom.

While efforts were ongoing to raise the ransom, the brothers reportedly called their father with an unknown number, informing him that they had escaped from captivity.

The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Monday in a telephone interview.

He called on security authorities to come to the aid of Imoga, a border town between Edo, Ondo, and Kogi states which, he said, has become a hotspot for kidnapping.

“The two brothers were kidnapped on November 8 along Adughe–Imoga Road and taken into the bush.

“The kidnappers later contacted the family and demanded N22 million ransom, throwing the ancient community into panic. I reported the incident to the Ibillo Police Station, hoping the rescue effort would lead to their release.

“It was said that the kidnappers suddenly went into a deep sleep in the forest, which gave their victims the chance to escape. They were later found by vigilantes from Adughe, a neighbouring Kogi community that shares the same Okpameri language with Uma/Imoga.

“The vigilantes alerted Imoga residents, and our youths mobilised to comb the forest. However, by the time they got there, the kidnappers had fled,” the monarch said.

The monarch lamented that incessant cases of kidnapping and attacks by armed herders have become a major security concern in the area, urging the government to establish a police post in Imoga.

He added, “We need police presence here. 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 in terms of landmass, and many herders have entered the area in large numbers. It is also a key link between Edo State and the northern part of the country.”

The state governor, Monday Okpebholo, who was sworn in on November 12, 2024, has launched several initiatives, including road rehabilitation, reclaiming government properties, prioritising education, and promoting women’s inclusion in governance.

However, despite recent investments in security vehicles, motorcycles, and equipment for agencies across the state, kidnapping remains a persistent challenge.

The insecurity crisis reached a boiling point on March 28, 2025, when an angry mob in Uromi, Edo Central, lynched seven travellers over suspected involvement in kidnapping after guns were discovered in their truck. (PUNCH)