Community in Edo State Devastated by Kidnapping Tragedy
Written by Oscar Okifo
In a tragic turn of events, the family of 80-year-old Pa Michael Alekeemhe was unable to save him from his kidnappers despite their desperate efforts to raise NOK 11 million. The community of Itsukwi, located in Ward 9 of Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo State, is now mourning after the elderly man reportedly died in captivity.
Fear and Grief Grips Rural Community
Itsukwi, a small farming village, is reeling from the loss of a beloved elder who was abducted alongside a female neighbor. Residents describe a palpable atmosphere of grief, fear, and anger, exacerbated by a surge in violent incidents linked to armed herders and kidnappers. This crime wave has made daily life in areas such as Okpekpe, Imieba, and Imiakebu increasingly perilous.
A Shocking Attack Leaves Residents Terrified
While previous killings have been reported in the vicinity, a recent incident on April 15 around 7 PM left the once-peaceful community in shock. As gunfire erupted near the outskirts, villagers scattered in panic, hoping to escape the chaos. In the midst of the turmoil, Pa Michael and Mrs. Janes Igbe were abducted from their homes, leaving behind a community in distress and a juvenile who was brutally injured during the attack.
Ransom Negotiations Lead to Despair
After the abduction, local youths engaged in an exhaustive search, but their efforts yielded no results. The kidnappers went silent for 24 hours before finally demanding a ransom of 50 million naira. Alarming reports emerged that the kidnappers had also taken a teenage girl from the neighboring Imia Kebu community, amplifying fears among local residents.
Community’s Trust in Authorities Erodes
When approached about reporting the incident to local authorities, residents expressed frustration. An anonymous source revealed, “We made a report, but they asked for money before taking any action.” This sentiment echoed through the community as families felt abandoned by security forces, even knowing the kidnappers’ phone numbers were in police records.
Limited Support from Authorities
Following pressure from local leaders, security forces, including soldiers and mobile police, were deployed to the area. However, conflicting accounts about the effectiveness of this intervention emerged. Some residents argued that the operatives barely ventured into the forest before retreating without making meaningful efforts to secure the release of hostages.
Community Faces Economic and Emotional Toll
After enduring 15 harrowing days in captivity, the families managed to gather 11 million naira through a combination of loans, sales of personal belongings, and borrowed funds. A family member recounted the ordeal of delivering the ransom, which involved a treacherous journey through darkness to a designated drop-off. Ultimately, while some hostages were released, Pa Michael was tragically not among them. Disturbing reports indicated that he was shot by his captors after succumbing to exhaustion.
Calls for Urgent Action Amid Continued Insecurity
The pain inflicted on the community deepened as reports revealed that the kidnappers accepted the ransom while having already killed their victim. With ongoing threats from armed groups, residents are struggling to manage economic and emotional distress. They are now appealing to government leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpeboro of Edo, to intervene urgently and restore safety in the region.
