Gunmen who abducted eight residents of Imoga community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have reduced the ransom demanded for their release from N100 million to N40 million. The victims were kidnapped on Friday night while lodging at a hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo Road in Edo North.
The reduction in ransom was confirmed by the traditional ruler of Imoga Kingdom, the Okpahi of Imoga, Oba Patrick Abudu. According to the monarch, negotiations with the kidnappers are still ongoing, and efforts are being made to further reduce the ransom to N20 million.
Oba Abudu disclosed that the kidnappers had earlier reduced the ransom from N100 million to N70 million on Monday before agreeing to the latest figure of N40 million. He said the community remains hopeful that the abductors will agree to a lower amount to ease the burden on the families and residents.
“We have continued to negotiate with the kidnappers, and they have agreed to reduce the ransom to N40 million. But we hope they can bring it down to N20 million,” the monarch said.
The traditional ruler explained that all stakeholders in the community, including family members of the victims, community leaders, and concerned residents, are on standby to contribute towards the ransom once a final agreement is reached.
“Our people are ready. As soon as we reach a final agreement with the kidnappers, we will raise the money and pay for the release of our people,” he added.
The eight victims, who are all indigenes of Imoga, were abducted at the Star Boy Hotel, located along the Imoga–Ibillo Road. According to reports, the victims had travelled to Ibillo to attend a social function and decided to lodge overnight at the hotel instead of returning home late.
The Star Boy Hotel is said to be owned by an indigene of Imoga, making the incident more painful for the community. Residents described the victims as hardworking individuals whose abduction has thrown the entire kingdom into fear and sadness.
Oba Abudu gave details of how the kidnapping took place, explaining that the gunmen arrived at the hotel disguised as soldiers. According to him, the kidnappers wore army uniforms and came with drinks, pretending to be customers waiting for someone.
“They came in army uniforms and acted like normal people. They brought drinks and sat down as if they were waiting for someone,” the monarch said.
He explained that after a while, the armed men suddenly turned violent. They reportedly accosted the hotel owner, seized his two mobile phones, and went on to collect the phones of the other guests. The victims were then tied and forced to follow the kidnappers into the bush on foot.
The manner of the attack has raised fresh concerns about the use of military-style uniforms by criminals to deceive unsuspecting citizens. In recent years, such tactics have been reported in several parts of the country, making it difficult for people to easily identify genuine security personnel.
The monarch expressed deep worry over the safety of the abducted residents, noting that it has been five days since they were taken away. He said the entire community has been living in fear and anxiety, praying for their safe return.
“We are worried about the safety of our people, as it has been five days since they were kidnapped. We don’t know how they are being treated, and this is disturbing to all of us,” Oba Abudu said.
He also revealed that the kidnapping has affected his personal movement and duties. According to him, he has been unable to travel out of the kingdom to attend to other important matters because of the situation.
“I have not been able to leave the kingdom because of this incident. My people are my priority, and I must stay to coordinate efforts to secure their release,” he said.
The abduction in Imoga is the latest in a series of kidnapping incidents in Edo North and other parts of the state. In recent years, communities along major roads and rural areas have experienced rising cases of abduction, often linked to armed groups hiding in forests.
Residents of Edo North have repeatedly called on the government and security agencies to strengthen security along highways and rural communities. The Imoga–Ibillo Road, where the hotel is located, is a known route used by travellers, and locals say increased patrols could help reduce criminal activities.
While negotiations continue, community leaders and families of the victims are appealing to the kidnappers to show mercy and release the abductees unharmed. Many residents have also turned to prayers, holding vigils and seeking divine intervention for the safe return of their loved ones.
The Edo State Government and security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report. However, residents say they hope the authorities are working behind the scenes to ensure the release of the victims and to track down those responsible.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained a major security challenge in Nigeria, affecting both urban and rural communities. Many families and communities are often forced to raise huge sums of money under pressure, sometimes selling property or borrowing to save their loved ones.
As talks with the abductors continue, the people of Imoga Kingdom remain hopeful that the ransom will be reduced further and that the eight abducted residents will regain their freedom soon. For now, the community waits anxiously, united in effort and prayer, as negotiations move forward.