Edo Kidnapping: Abductors Slash Ransom to ₦40m for Eight Imoga Residents

Edo Kidnapping: Abductors Slash Ransom to ₦40m for Eight Imoga Residents

Kidnappers who abducted eight residents of Imoga in Edo North have reduced their ransom demand from ₦100 million to ₦40 million, as negotiations for the victims’ release continue.

The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Abudu, disclosed this on Tuesday, noting that the abductors had earlier lowered their demand to ₦70 million on Monday before agreeing to the latest reduction. The monarch said community leaders are still pushing for the ransom to be further reduced to ₦20 million.

According to Oba Abudu, negotiations with the kidnappers are ongoing, while stakeholders and residents of Imoga have resolved to mobilise funds immediately once a final agreement is reached.

“We have continued to negotiate with the kidnappers, and they have agreed to reduce the ransom to ₦40 million, but we are hopeful it can be brought down to ₦20 million,” the monarch said. “Our people are on standby to raise the money as soon as the amount is agreed. We are deeply worried about their safety, as it has been five days since the abduction.”

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The monarch added that the incident has restricted his movement, preventing him from travelling outside the kingdom to attend to pressing matters.

Recall that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted the victims on Friday night at the Star Boy Hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo Road in Edo North. Oba Abudu said the victims had travelled to Ibillo for an event and opted to lodge at the hotel, which is owned by an indigene of Imoga.

He explained that the assailants arrived at the hotel dressed in army uniforms, posed as regular visitors, and later seized the phones of the hotel owner and the guests before marching the victims into the surrounding bush.

The incident has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in Edo State, as residents continue to appeal for urgent intervention from security agencies to secure the release of the abducted persons.

Edo Kidnapping: Abductors Slash Ransom to ₦40m for Eight Imoga Residents