Police Foils N30m Ransom Payment, Rescues 70-year-old Man In Edo

FROM IKHILI EBALU,  BENIN 

Edo State Police Command has foiled a ransom payment plot and rescued a 70-year-old grandpa who was abducted in the state.

A statement by the command’s spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said a septuagenarian, Pa Jonah Owobu of Uwalo Oke, Uromi in Edo Central was said to have gone to his farm on April 21 and did not return home.

His wife who reported him missing said at about 21:30hrs on the same day, unknown individuals contacted the family demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for his release before he was later rescued.

The statement reads, “The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika,

successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, following a swift and coordinated search and rescue operation.

She stated that, “On April 21 at about 07:10hrs, the command received a report from the wife of Pa Jonah Owobu of Uwalo Oke, Uromi, that her husband, aged 70 had failed to return from his farm on April 20.

She added that at about 2130hrs on the same day, unknown individuals contacted the family demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.

According to her, the Amedokhian Divisional Police Officer promptly mobilised a joint team comprising police operatives, military personnel, local hunters and members of the Edo State Security Corps for an immediate search and rescue operation within the forest.

Ikoedem stated that during the operation, the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings which were recovered along a forest route, guided operatives deeper into the area.

The team eventually located the hideout where the victim was being held. On sighting the advancing operatives, the suspected kidnappers fled into the bush, abandoning the victim.

“The victim was successfully rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with his family.”

Ikoedem noted that intensive bush combing and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects are ongoing, with a view to apprehend and bring them to justice.

Also, the commissioner of police reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to combat kidnapping and all forms of criminality in the state. 

He assured residents of sustained security operations and urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to the police.