Edo Police Foil Ransom Plot, Rescue Kidnapped Septuagenarian in Uromi

Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria,Saturday, April 25, 2026

The Edo State Police Command has successfully foiled a ransom plot and rescued an abducted 70-year-old man, Pa Jonah Owobu, following a swift and coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

The operation was carried out under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, after a report was received on April 21, 2026, at about 7:10 a.m. from the victim’s wife, who reported that her husband had failed to return from his farm on April 20, 2026.

She further disclosed that the family later received a call at about 9:30 p.m. from unknown individuals demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer in Amedokhian mobilized a joint security team comprising police operatives, military personnel, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps to comb the surrounding forest for the victim.

During the operation, the team recovered the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings, which helped trace the suspected hideout. On arrival at the location, the kidnappers fled into the bush, abandoning the victim.

The abducted man was rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with his family.

Security operatives have since intensified bush combing operations in the area, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.