The Edo State Police Command has rescued a 70-year-old man, Pa Jonah Owobu, who was abducted in Uromi, Edo Central, and foiled a ₦30 million ransom demand by his captors.
In a statement released on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the victim had gone to his farm on April 20, 2026, but failed to return home, prompting his wife to report him missing the following morning.
Later that same day, the family reportedly received a call from unknown individuals demanding ₦30 million for his release.
According to the police, a swift response was initiated under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika. A joint team made up of police operatives, military personnel, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps was immediately deployed to comb the surrounding forest.
During the operation, the team recovered the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings along a forest path, which helped them trace the kidnappers’ hideout.
“On sighting the advancing operatives, the suspects fled into the bush, abandoning the victim,” the statement said.
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Owobu was rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family.
The police added that a manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while bush combing operations continue in the area.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities, the command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.
The latest rescue comes amid ongoing efforts by security operatives in Edo State, where several victims have been freed from separate kidnapping incidents in recent times.
