Pastor, Wife, Sister Survive Kidnappers’ Den After N50 Million Ransom Demand

Pastor, Wife, Sister Survive Kidnappers’ Den After N50 Million Ransom Demand

EDO STATE, NIGERIA – An Edo-based cleric, Pastor Caleb Adavize Philip, has narrated the traumatic experience he, his wife, and his sister endured after they were allegedly abducted by kidnappers who demanded N50 million ransom for their release.

The pastor shared his story in a Facebook post on Thursday, June 11, 2026, shortly after regaining freedom from captivity. Accompanying the post were photographs showing him and his family members receiving medical treatment at a hospital, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the ordeal.

According to Pastor Philip, the kidnappers held them for several days under harsh conditions while insisting on a ransom payment of N50 million. Although details regarding the exact location of the abduction, the duration of their captivity, and the circumstances surrounding their release were not disclosed, the pastor’s account paints a disturbing picture of the suffering they endured.

Describing the experience as one of the most painful episodes of his life, the cleric said he and his family were subjected to intense psychological trauma, constant fear, physical exhaustion, and repeated threats to their lives.

“I can’t forget this in a hurry, how we were kidnapped, myself, wife and sis for days and they were demanding for 50 million naira,” he wrote.

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The pastor further explained that the captives were forced to trek long distances through difficult terrain under both scorching sunlight and heavy rainfall while being monitored by armed abductors.

Reflecting on the ordeal, he stated that kidnapping remains one of the worst experiences any individual can face.

“The worst prayer you could pray for your enemies is for them to be kidnapped, yes, that’s the highest. The psychological trauma, the fear, the torture, rain, sun, insect bites, the trekking, the threat to life with ammunition, the huge amount being paid and many more. Lord save our nation. Thank you Jesus for our life,” he added.

The emotional testimony has attracted reactions from friends, church members, and social media users, many of whom expressed gratitude for the safe return of the victims while condemning the rising wave of kidnapping in Nigeria.

The incident adds to growing concerns over the persistent threat posed by criminal gangs involved in abduction for ransom, a security challenge that continues to affect communities across the country. Victims often face severe physical hardship and lasting psychological trauma, even after regaining their freedom.

Security analysts have repeatedly called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved surveillance of rural and forested areas, and enhanced collaboration between security agencies and local communities to combat the menace of kidnapping in Edo State and other parts of Nigeria.

For Pastor Philip and his family, however, the immediate focus remains recovery and healing after an experience he says he may never forget.

Their survival story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by criminal kidnappers and the urgent need for lasting solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

Pastor, Wife, Sister Survive Kidnappers’ Den After N50 Million Ransom Demand