Two brothers abducted along the Adughe–Imoga Road in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have regained freedom after escaping from their kidnappers, who reportedly fell asleep in the forest.
The brothers, Isaac and Victor Olayere, were kidnapped on November 8 while travelling through Uma/Imoga and taken deep into the bush.
Their abductors later contacted the family, demanding a ransom of ₦22 million, throwing the quiet community into panic.
Speaking on the incident, the Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, confirmed the brothers’ escape in a telephone interview on Monday.
According to the monarch, the victims managed to flee when their abductors mysteriously dozed off.
They were later rescued by local vigilantes from Adughe, a neighbouring Kogi community that shares linguistic and cultural ties with Imoga.
He said, “The two brothers were kidnapped on November 8 along Adughe–Imoga Road and taken into the forest. The kidnappers later demanded ₦22 million ransom.
I immediately reported the incident to the Ibillo Police Station, hoping for quick intervention.
“Fortunately, while in captivity, the kidnappers suddenly fell into a deep sleep, allowing the victims to escape.
They were found by vigilantes from Adughe, who alerted Imoga youths. When our people went into the forest, the kidnappers had already fled.”
Oba Obajoye lamented the rising spate of abductions and attacks by armed herders in the border community, which shares boundaries with Ondo and Kogi states.
He appealed to authorities to establish a police post in Imoga to strengthen security and restore peace.
“Imoga is the largest community in Akoko Edo in terms of landmass, but we have become vulnerable because of our location.
A police post here will help patrol the area and reassure our people,” the monarch said.
Edo State has witnessed frequent cases of kidnapping despite efforts by Governor Monday Okpebholo to tackle insecurity through the provision of patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and other equipment to security agencies.
The state has, however, continued to record incidents of abduction, with residents often resorting to community vigilantes for protection.