How 11 Abducted Farmers Escaped as Kidnappers Slept Off in Edo

How 11 Abducted Farmers Escaped as Kidnappers Slept Off in Edo
Edo Police Rescue 38 Kidnap Victims
Arrest 32 Suspected Kidnappers in June

Eleven farmers kidnapped in Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State have regained their freedom after escaping from their captors when the kidnappers reportedly fell asleep in the forest following an overnight trek.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the victims narrated their ordeal on Friday at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters, where they were received after their escape.

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Speaking on behalf of the group, Braimah Destiny said he was returning from his farm when he encountered six armed men carrying guns and machetes.

According to him, the gunmen abducted him along with 10 other people before leading them deep into the forest.

He said the victims heard gunshots from security operatives while they were being marched into the bush but were forced to continue trekking throughout the night.

“We walked all night. When we got to a place, they asked us to hide. They were exhausted and eventually slept off. That was how we escaped and ran towards the police,” Braimah said.

He added that the kidnappers assaulted and maltreated the victims during their captivity.

Another victim, Gloria Inyanugbo, said she spent four days in captivity after she was abducted while working on her farm.

She alleged that her husband paid ₦3 million as ransom, alongside an additional ₦300,000 for food, drugs and other items demanded by the kidnappers before she was released.

Gloria said some of the suspects were later arrested through the combined efforts of community vigilantes and police investigators.

“The vigilantes caught two of them in the bush, while the police tracked and arrested others. I recognised one of them because he boasted that nobody could arrest him,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command disclosed that it arrested 32 suspected kidnappers in June as part of intensified operations against violent crimes across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who addressed journalists in Benin City, said the command also rescued 38 kidnapped victims during the same period through intelligence-led operations and coordinated tactical responses.

He added that the police arrested 15 suspected cultists, 3 armed robbery suspects, 11 murder suspects, and 14 suspects linked to rape and defilement cases.

Agbonika said the command has strengthened intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies to deny criminal groups safe havens across Edo State.

According to him, 45 suspects involved in violent crimes were arrested during the period under review.

He commended officers of the command for their professionalism and thanked residents for providing timely information that has supported ongoing security operations.

The police boss assured residents that the command would continue its offensive against kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers and other criminal elements to improve security across the state.