Fear has gripped residents of Imoga community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State following threats by gunmen to kill eight community members abducted due to delay in meeting their ransom demand.
Newsbuka learnt that the victims were abducted on January 9 at the Star Boy Hotel located along Ibillo Road.
Co-ordinator, Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Dr. Bode Ekundayo, in a statement, stated that the suspected kidnappers made the threat to show the community and families of the victims that they meant business.
According to Dr. Ekundayo, the gunmen who earlier demanded N100 million as ransom, later brought it down to 80 million and later to N40 million which was so difficult for the families and community to raise.
He also disclosed that the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Patrick Abudu, sent out town criers and spokesmen around the community on January 15 to solicit for more funds to enable the community raise the ransom.
Dr. Ekundayo further narrated how two brothers, Ojo and Abiodun Ekpo, from the community escaped from kidnappers who tried to hold them hostage.
Similarly, Oba Abudu while speaking on the development, said the community has since last year, informed the state and local government of the illegal occupation of Imoga land by suspected bandits, herders and kidnappers and its threat to peace and security.
Edo: Kidnappers Threaten to Kill 8 Hostages
- Advertisement -
