Kidnappers Demand N100m Ransom for Eight Abducted Imoga Indigenes in Edo

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of eight indigenes of Imoga Kingdom who were abducted on Friday night in Edo State.

The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, disclosed this on Monday during a telephone conversation, stating that the victims were kidnapped at Star Boy Hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo Road in Edo North. According to the monarch, the victims had travelled to Ibillo for a social function and decided to lodge overnight at the hotel, which is owned by an indigene of Imoga.

Oba Obajoye explained that the kidnappers arrived at the hotel dressed in army uniforms and pretended to be guests while waiting. He said they ordered drinks to avoid suspicion before later accosting the hotel owner, seizing his two mobile phones. The attackers also confiscated the phones of other occupants, tied their hands, and marched them into the bush on foot.

He revealed that although the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million, they later reduced the ransom to N70 million. However, further pleas for reduction were rejected, with the kidnappers reportedly insisting that one of the hotel owner’s vehicles be sold to raise the ransom.

“Eight of them are currently in the kidnappers’ den, including one woman,” the monarch said, adding that the manner of negotiation suggested the crime may have involved insider collaboration. He described the incident as a sad moment for the community, noting the difficulty in raising such a huge sum.

The monarch commended the Edo State Police Command and the state government for their efforts to rescue the abductees, saying security operatives deployed modern tracking gadgets but were unable to locate the kidnappers.

It was also gathered that one of the victims sustained a gunshot injury while attempting to escape and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said he would respond later when contacted.

Residents of Imoga expressed hope that ongoing rescue efforts would lead to the safe return of the abducted victims.