Seven residents of Imoga Community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area have regained their freedom after spending days in the hands of kidnappers.
The victims were released on Monday evening following the payment of an undisclosed ransom and have since been reunited with their families.
Confirming the development, the Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Dr Bode Ekundayo, said the community worked together to secure the release of the abducted persons.
“The victims have now been released after the payment of a huge ransom,” he said, while declining to disclose the exact amount paid.
Ekundayo also revealed that an eighth victim, who managed to escape during the abduction, is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
“I can tell you that they have been reunited with their families after the community secured their release. It was a sad and traumatic experience, and we hope they recover fully from the ordeal,” he added.
He noted that the police had been informed of the development and described the mood in the community as one of relief and gratitude following the safe return of their people.
The traditional ruler of Imoga, Oba Patrick Abudu, also confirmed the release, saying he met with the victims on Tuesday. According to him, the community erupted in celebration when news of their freedom spread.
“It felt like a special festival. People came out in large numbers to rejoice. A big entourage went to receive them at the border between Okene and the community. I have never seen such unity here before,” the monarch said.
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He added that despite the painful experience, the incident brought the community together. “With unity, everything is achievable,” he said.
The Edo State Police Command also confirmed the release of the victims. The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, simply stated, “Yes, I can confirm that the kidnapped victims have been released.”
The victims were abducted on January 9 from a hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo axis, alongside the hotel owner. Days later, the kidnappers demanded a ransom reportedly running into tens of millions of naira and threatened to kill the captives if their demands were not met.
Their eventual release has brought relief to families and residents, ending days of anxiety and fear in the community.
