A 70-year-old farmer, Pa Jonah Owobu of Uwalo Oke community in Uromi, was rescued by security operatives after being kidnapped and held for a ransom of ₦30 million. His wife reported him missing on 21st April 2026, stating he had not returned from his farm on 20th April 2026, and that unknown individuals later contacted the family demanding the ransom.
Edo Police Command spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said the Amedokhian Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilized a joint team of police, military personnel, local hunters, and Edo State Security Corps for a search and rescue operation. During the operation, the victim's abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings were found along a forest route, leading operatives to the kidnappers' hideout.
On sighting the advancing team, the suspects fled into the bush, leaving the victim behind. Pa Jonah Owobu was rescued unhurt and has been reunited with his family. Eno Ikoedem said intensive bush combing and a manhunt for the suspects are ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, reiterated the command's commitment to combating kidnapping and all forms of criminality in the state. He urged the public to provide timely and credible information to the police.
The police recovered a motorcycle and rescued a kidnapped man, yet the suspects escaped into the bush during the operation. A 70-year-old man spent at least one night in captivity before being found. The ransom demand was ₦30 million, but no arrest was made during the rescue. This exposes a gap between response speed and actual apprehension of kidnappers in Edo State.
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