Unknown gunmen have abducted eight indigenes of Imoga community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, demanding an initial ransom of N100 million for their release.
The victims, including one woman, were kidnapped on Friday night after attending a social function in Ibillo and checking into Star Boy Hotel along the Imoga-Ibillo Road for the night.
The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, who confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation, said the kidnappers arrived at the hotel dressed in army uniforms, bought drinks, and pretended to be waiting for someone
.“After some time, they accosted the hotel owner, seized his two phones, collected the phones of the other guests, tied their hands, and marched them into the bush on foot,” the monarch narrated.
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers are ongoing, and the ransom demand has since been reduced to N70 million.
When community leaders pleaded for a further reduction, the abductors reportedly suggested that one of the vehicles belonging to the hotel owner should be sold to raise part of the money.
Oba Obajoye described the operation as possibly an “insider job,” citing the way the gunmen spoke to those negotiating on behalf of the victims.
“Eight of our people, including one woman, are currently in the kidnappers’ den. This is a very sad day for our community. Raising such an amount is a big challenge, but we hope this matter ends well for our indigenes,” the monarch said.
He commended the Edo State Police Command and the state government for their efforts so far toward securing the release of the abductees.
The Guardian gathered that one person sustained a gunshot injury while attempting to escape during the incident and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
When contacted, the Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, requested time to respond as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate release of 52 suspects, mostly students, remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following protests against rising kidnapping incidents in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the PDP accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state government of orchestrating the arrests and remand of the protesters after the Edo State Criminal Court II in Benin City declined jurisdiction over the matter.
The party alleged that Ekpoma and surrounding communities have been largely abandoned to kidnappers and violent criminals, leaving residents living in constant fear amid escalating attacks.
Osa-Ogbegie reiterated the PDP’s total opposition to kidnapping and killings in all forms and demanded the immediate dismantling of criminal networks operating freely across Ekpoma and neighbouring areas.
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