Eight Imoga indigenes kidnapped in Edo North; gunmen demand N70m ransom after abducting victims at Star Boy Hotel

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have demanded N70 million for the release of eight Imoga indigenes abducted on Friday night, the Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, has confirmed.

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The victims were staying at Star Boy Hotel on Imoga-Ibillo Road after attending a function in Ibillo when the gunmen, reportedly dressed in army uniforms, arrived at the hotel.

The assailants tied the victims’ hands, seized their phones, and led them into the bush.

Oba Obajoye described the incident as “a very sad day” for the community, suggesting that the kidnapping may have been an inside job.

“Imagine young men and a woman with a great life ahead of them being abducted at a hotel where they had gone to lodge,” he said.

Negotiations reportedly led to a reduction of the ransom from N100 million to N70 million.

The kidnappers also demanded that one of the hotelier’s vehicles be sold to contribute to the payment.

One person sustained a gunshot injury while attempting to escape and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

The monarch commended the Edo State Police Command and the state government for their efforts to rescue the victims, noting that modern tracking gadgets were deployed but the initial rescue attempt was unsuccessful.

This incident follows a similar case in November when two brothers, Isaac and Victor Olayere, kidnapped along Adughe–Imoga Road, regained freedom after their abductors fell asleep in the forest.

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The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, had not provided an official statement as of the time of filing this report.