Two brothers kidnapped along the Adughe–Imoga Road in Edo State have regained their freedom after their abductors reportedly fell asleep in the forest.
The victims, Isaac and Victor Olayere, were abducted on November 8, sparking panic in the Uma/Imoga community after the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦22 million.
Their father was later shocked to receive a call from an unknown number—his sons were on the line, saying they had escaped while their captors were fast asleep.
The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, confirmed their escape in an interview with The PUNCH on Monday.
“The two brothers were kidnapped along the Adughe–Imoga Road and taken into the bush. The kidnappers demanded ₦22 million ransom, throwing our community into fear. But it was said that they suddenly went into a deep sleep in the forest, giving their victims a chance to run,” the monarch said.
He explained that vigilantes from Adughe, a neighbouring Kogi community that speaks the same Okpameri language as Uma/Imoga, found the brothers and alerted residents. By the time local youths mobilised to search the forest, the kidnappers had fled.
Obajoye decried the rising wave of abductions and attacks by armed herders in the area, appealing for government intervention.
“We need a police post here. Imoga is the largest village in Akoko Edo in terms of landmass, and many herders have entered the area. If we have a police presence, it will help restore peace,” he said.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who assumed office in November 2024, has rolled out several initiatives in education, infrastructure, and women’s inclusion. However, despite new patrol vehicles and equipment provided for security agencies, kidnapping remains a serious threat across the state.
In March 2025, fear and anger boiled over when a mob in Uromi, Edo Central, lynched seven travellers after guns were allegedly found in their truck during a kidnapping scare.
