Two brothers kidnapped along the Adughe–Imoga Road in Edo State made a miraculous escape after their captors reportedly fell into a deep sleep in the forest where they were being held.
The victims, identified as Isaac and Victor Olayere, were abducted on November 8, sparking fear and confusion across the Uma/Imoga community when their kidnappers demanded ₦22 million as ransom.
According to reports, while the family was still struggling to raise the ransom, the brothers called their father using an unknown number, revealing that they had escaped from the kidnappers’ den.
Confirming the incident, the Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, said the escape was nothing short of divine intervention, describing the area as a growing hotspot for criminal activity.
“The two brothers were kidnapped on November 8 along Adughe–Imoga Road and taken into the bush. The kidnappers later contacted the family and demanded ₦22 million ransom, throwing the community into panic,” the monarch said.
“I reported the incident to the Ibillo Police Station, hoping that rescue efforts would lead to their release.”
Oba Obajoye explained that luck shone on the victims when their abductors suddenly fell asleep, giving them a chance to flee.
“It was said that the kidnappers suddenly went into a deep sleep in the forest, which gave their victims the chance to escape. They were later found by vigilantes from Adughe, a neighbouring Kogi community that shares the same Okpameri language with Uma/Imoga,” he added.
The monarch said the vigilantes quickly alerted Imoga residents, prompting local youths to mobilize and comb the surrounding forest. However, by the time they arrived, the kidnappers had fled.
Oba Obajoye lamented that kidnapping and attacks by armed herders have become rampant in the area, urging the Edo State Government to establish a permanent police post in Imoga to curb the menace.
“We need police presence here. If a police post is created, officers can patrol the area regularly and reassure residents of safety. Imoga is the largest village in Akoko Edo in terms of landmass, and many herders have entered the area in large numbers. It is also a key link between Edo State and the northern part of the country,” he stressed.
The monarch’s appeal comes amid Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent efforts to bolster security across Edo State. Since his swearing-in on November 12, 2024, Okpebholo has launched several initiatives — including road rehabilitation, reclaiming government properties, prioritizing education, and promoting women’s inclusion in governance.
Despite recent investments in security vehicles, motorcycles, and equipment, kidnapping continues to plague parts of the state.
The crisis reached a breaking point on March 28, 2025, when an angry mob in Uromi, Edo Central, lynched seven travellers over alleged involvement in kidnapping after firearms were discovered in their truck.
As residents of Imoga celebrate the safe return of the Olayere brothers, calls for stronger security presence continue to echo across the troubled region — a stark reminder that in Edo’s forests, danger still lurks, even when kidnappers fall asleep.
