Victims were reportedly abducted from a hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo Road by gunmen disguised in military uniforms

Suspected kidnappers in Edo State have demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for the release of eight Imoga indigenes abducted along the Imoga–Ibillo Road.

The traditional ruler of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, the Okpahi of Imoga, disclosed this during an interview, revealing that the victims were kidnapped at Star Boy Hotel, where they had lodged overnight after attending a function in Ibillo.

According to the monarch, the abductors stormed the hotel dressed in army uniforms and pretended to be guests waiting for someone. They reportedly ordered drinks to avoid suspicion before launching their operation.

Oba Obajoye explained that the kidnappers later seized the mobile phones of the hotel owner and other occupants, tied the victims’ hands, and forcefully marched them on foot into the bush.

“The kidnappers initially demanded ₦100 million but later reduced the ransom to ₦70 million,” the monarch said. “When we pleaded for further reduction, they insisted that one of the hotel owner’s vehicles should be sold to raise the money.”

He added that all eight victims, including one woman, remain in captivity, describing the incident as suspicious and possibly an inside job.

“We hope such an unfortunate incident will not happen again in our community,” Oba Obajoye stated.

The monarch commended the Edo State Government and the Edo State Police Command for their ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted victims.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, had not responded to inquiries as of the time of filing this report.

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