A group of farmers kidnapped in the Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State recently shared details of their harrowing escape. According to the victims, they managed to flee after their captors grew exhausted and fell asleep following a grueling night of forced walking.
Destiny Braimah, a spokesperson for the group, recounted being intercepted by six armed men while traveling back from his farm. The abductors rounded up a total of 11 people and forced them into the forest. Throughout the march, the group heard gunfire from police operations nearby. When the kidnappers finally stopped to rest due to fatigue, the captives took the opportunity to escape and reach a local police station. Braimah noted that the group suffered physical abuse during their ordeal.
Another victim, Gloria Inyanugbo, stated she was held for four days until her husband paid a 3 million naira ransom for her release. Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command reported that 32 kidnapping suspects were arrested in June, with 38 victims successfully rescued. Police Commissioner Monday Agbonika confirmed that the Command also apprehended dozens of individuals involved in cult activities, armed robbery, and murder. Agbonika emphasized that these results stem from increased intelligence-led policing and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure safety across the state.
