Security efforts in Delta and Edo states have uncovered a heartbreaking case of rural kidnapping, after two palm-wine tappers were abducted in Emuhu, near Agbor, leading to the tragic death of one of the victims.
Human rights advocate Harrison Gwamnishu, who participated in the joint search operation, confirmed the incident on Thursday, describing it as “the painful reality our people are facing.”
Gwamnishu said he worked with multiple security formations, including the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Emuhu Vigilante Group, Anti-Cult Abavo, Operation Soup, and teams of police officers.
Security agencies responded swiftly. The Military from the 63 Brigade, the Emuhu Vigilante Group, Anti-Cult Abavo, Operation Soup, and police teams all joined us in the search and rescue mission,” he stated.
The search operation stretched from Emuhu to Abavo, Obi-Ayama, and eventually Urhonigbe in Edo State, where one of the kidnapped tappers was found alive.
According to Gwamnishu, the rescued victim recounted how his colleague was killed after his family attempted to negotiate with the kidnappers, raising only N10,000, which was all they could afford.
“He narrated the heartbreaking incident on how his colleague was killed after the man’s family attempted to negotiate with the kidnappers using the only money they had — N10,000,” Gwamnishu said.
He lamented the growing vulnerability of rural farmers and artisans, stressing that the situation reflects an alarming security crisis affecting ordinary citizens.
This is the painful reality our people are facing,” he added.
Security agencies say investigations and pursuit operations are ongoing to apprehend the kidnappers.