Two brothers, Isaac and Victor Olayere, who were abducted on November 8 along the Adughe–Imoga Road in Edo State, have managed to flee from their captors.
The brothers were taken into the bush shortly after the kidnapping incident, causing distress in the Uma/Imoga community when the abductors demanded a N22 million ransom.
Oba Patrick Obajoye, the Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, confirmed the escape in a telephone interview, stating that the brothers contacted their father through an unknown number to inform him of their successful escape.
After the abduction, Obajoye promptly reported the incident to the Ibillo Police Station, hoping that security forces would aid in the rescue mission.
The brothers reportedly managed to escape when the kidnappers fell into a deep sleep in the forest. They were later discovered by vigilantes in Adughe, a neighboring community in Kogi State with linguistic and cultural ties to Uma/Imoga.
Upon finding the escaped victims, the vigilantes alerted the Imoga community, prompting the youth to mobilize and search the forest. However, the kidnappers had already fled upon realizing their captives had gotten away.
Obajoye highlighted the prevalent security challenges in the area, particularly related to kidnapping and armed herders’ activities. He advocated for the establishment of a police post in Imoga to enhance security measures and provide peace of mind to residents.
Emphasizing Imoga’s strategic location as the largest village in Akoko Edo, serving as a link between Edo State and the northern region of the country, Obajoye underscored the vulnerability of the community to criminal elements.