SEVEN IMOGA INDIGENES FREED AFTER KIDNAPPING IN AKOKO EDO
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Seven indigenes of Imoga Community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have regained their freedom after being kidnapped earlier this month.
The victims were released on Monday evening following the payment of an undisclosed ransom and have since been reunited with their families, according to the Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Dr. Bode Ekundayo.
“Victims have now been released after the payment of a huge ransom,” Ekundayo disclosed in a message to The PUNCH on Tuesday, although he declined to state the exact amount paid.
He also confirmed that an eighth victim, who reportedly escaped during the abduction, is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
“They have been reunited with their families after the community secured their release. It is a sad experience, and we hope they will overcome the effects,” Ekundayo said, adding that the police had been informed of the victims’ release.
The traditional ruler of Imoga, Oba Patrick Abudu, also confirmed the development, saying he met with the freed victims on Tuesday and described the atmosphere in the community as jubilant.
“A large entourage went to receive them at the border between Okene and Imoga when the news of their release filtered into the town. It is like a special festival in the community. I have never seen such unity before,” the monarch said.
Despite the ordeal, Oba Abudu said the community came together to secure the release of their people, stressing that unity played a key role in the outcome.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the release of the victims. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, said, “Yes, I can confirm that the kidnapped victims have been released.”
The victims were abducted on January 9 while lodging at Stay Boy Hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo Road. The hotel owner, also an indigene of Imoga, was among those kidnapped.
The abductors had initially demanded ₦100 million as ransom, which was later reduced to ₦70 million and subsequently ₦40 million after negotiations. On January 16, the kidnappers reportedly threatened to begin killing the victims if the ransom was not paid.
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