KIDNAPPED EDO BROTHERS REGAIN FREEDOM AFTER ABDUCTORS FALL ASLEEP IN FOREST
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Two brothers, Isaac and Victor Olayere, who were kidnapped along the Adughe–Imoga Road in Edo State, have regained their freedom after their abductors reportedly fell asleep in the forest.
The incident, which occurred on November 8, threw the Uma/Imoga community into confusion after the kidnappers demanded ₦22 million ransom for their release.
However, while efforts were ongoing to raise the money, the brothers reportedly managed to call their father using an unknown number, informing him that they had escaped from captivity.
Confirming the development in a telephone interview on Monday, the Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, said the victims were rescued after escaping while their captors were fast asleep.
“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 ₦22 million ransom, throwing the community into panic. I reported the incident to the Ibillo Police Station, hoping the rescue effort would lead to their release,” the monarch said.
He continued: “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 decried the rising cases of kidnapping and attacks by armed herders in the area and urged the government to establish a police post in Imoga to enhance security.
“We need a 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 serves as a major link between Edo State and the northern part of the country,” he said.
Despite efforts by the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, who was sworn in on November 12, 2024, to improve infrastructure and security through the provision of vehicles, motorcycles, and equipment to agencies, kidnapping remains a persistent challenge in Edo State.
The state’s insecurity crisis peaked on March 28, 2025, when an angry mob in Uromi, Edo Central, lynched seven travellers over alleged involvement in kidnapping after firearms were discovered in their vehicle.
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