The family of twin teenagers seized in a deadly attack at Afokpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has faulted the police account of their release, insisting the children were freed only after ransom was paid.
The youths, 16-year-old Emmanuel and Emmanuella Ilabeshi, were taken on December 11 when armed men stormed the home of their father, Andrew Ilabeshi, fatally injuring him before disappearing with the siblings into the bush.
A relative of the deceased, Okhale Ilabeshi, speaking on Tuesday, debunked an earlier statement issued by the Edo State Police Command that the teenagers were rescued through a coordinated security operation.
“We want it known that there was no rescue. A ransom was paid in full.
After we met the kidnappers’ demand, they instructed us on where to find the twins,” he said.
Residents recounted how the attackers first cut off power supply to the house by disconnecting the generator, then ambushed Ilabeshi when he came out to investigate.
He was said to have been struck repeatedly with machetes before the gang made away with the minors. He later died from his wounds.
Family members disclosed that the abductors initially demanded N100 million for the release of the children, sparking frantic efforts to negotiate their return.
Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem had earlier briefed the press that the victims were safely retrieved by a joint team of security operatives — an account the family now describes as misleading.
Okhale explained that the twins were weak, distraught and unaware of their father’s death at the time they regained freedom. “They knew he was badly injured when they were taken but had no idea he didn’t survive. The news devastated them,” he said.
He raised concern over the rising frequency of abductions in the area, noting that local vigilantes were overstretched.
“Government must intervene urgently.
We are doing what we can, but the situation is beyond the community,” he said, calling for stronger police presence and better intelligence support.