Gunmen Kidnap 8 Persons, Demand N70m Ransom In Edo

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have demanded N70 million for the release of eight Imoga indigenes abducted on Friday night at Obillo, in Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo State.

The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, who disclosed this on Monday in a telephone conversation with LEADERSHIP Correspondent, said the victims were kidnapped at Star Boy Hotel on Imoga-Ibillo Road in Edo North.

He stated that the victims had gone to Ibillo for a function and decided to lodge for the night at Star Boy Hotel, which also belonged to an indigene of Imoga.

The monarch stated that the kidnappers came to the hotel in Army uniforms and brought drinks, pretending to be waiting for someone.

He noted that after a while, the kidnappers accosted the owner of the hotel and seized his two phones. He said they also seized the phone of the others, tied their hand and led them into the bush on foot.

He said, “As it is now, the kidnappers have reduced the ransom to N70 million. When we begged for further reduction, they said one of the vehicles belonging to the hotellier should be sold to pay the ransom.

“Eight of them are currently in the kidnappers’ den including one woman. The kidnapping looked like an insider job if one considers the way the gunmen spoke to those negotiating the ransom.

“It is a very sad day for us in our community and we hope that this will end well for our indigenes. However, raising this money is a big task.

“Imagine, young men and a woman with a great life ahead of them being abducted at a hotel where they have gone to lodge after a function.”

The monarch commended the personnel of the Edo State Police Command and the Edo State government for their efforts at rescuing the abductees.

He added, “The Edo State Police Command in conjunction with the state government came to trace the kidnappers with modern gadgets but it was unsuccessful.

“We hope that the rescue move will continue so that the victims can reunite with their families.”

It was gathered that one person sustained a gunshot injury while trying to escape and he is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

The PPRO of the State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, asked for time to respond to our Correspondent’s enquiries as at the time of filing this report.