Seven residents of Imoga Community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have regained their freedom after days in captivity, following the payment of an undisclosed ransom to suspected kidnappers.
The victims were released on Monday evening, bringing relief to the community after a period marked by fear and uncertainty.
Confirming the development, the Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Dr. Bode Ekundayo, said the abducted persons have since been reunited with their families.
“Victims have now been released after the payment of a huge ransom,” Ekundayo disclosed in a message to journalists on Tuesday.
He, however, declined to state the amount paid, explaining that he was not in a position to provide such details.
Ekundayo further revealed that an eighth victim, who escaped during the abduction, is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.
According to him, the community mobilised collective efforts that eventually led to the release of the captives, describing the ordeal as traumatic but expressing hope that the victims would fully recover.
The traditional ruler of Imoga Community, Oba Patrick Abudu, also confirmed the release, describing the atmosphere in the town as jubilant.
The monarch said residents trooped out in large numbers to welcome the freed victims at the boundary between Imoga and Okene after news of their release filtered into the community.
“It was like a special festival. People came out en masse to rejoice. Despite the ordeal, our unity made the difference,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the release of the victims.