Gunmen abduct eight in Edo hotel, demand N100m ransom

Suspected kidnappers have reportedly abducted eight people, including a woman, from a hotel in Imoga, Edo State, demanding a ransom of N100 million for their release, in the latest attack to heighten fear across the state.

The victims, all indigenes of Imoga Kingdom, were reportedly kidnapped last Friday night at Star Boy Hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo Road, according to the Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye.

Speaking in a telephone interview on Monday, the monarch said the victims had travelled to Ibillo for a social function and decided to lodge overnight at the hotel, which is owned by an indigene of Imoga.

Oba Obajoye disclosed that the kidnappers arrived at the hotel dressed in army uniforms, creating the impression that they were security personnel.

He said they ordered drinks and pretended to be waiting for someone before striking.

“After some time, they accosted the owner of the hotel, seized his two mobile phones and also collected the phones of others. They tied their hands and led them on foot into the bush,” the monarch said.

He revealed that the abductors initially demanded N100 million as ransom but later reduced the amount to N70 million after negotiations.

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The monarch further disclosed that the kidnappers allegedly insisted that one of the vehicles belonging to the hotel owner be sold to raise part of the ransom.

“As it stands now, eight of our people are in the kidnappers’ den, including one woman,” Oba Obajoye said, adding that the operation appeared to be an inside job, judging by the manner in which the gunmen spoke during ransom negotiations.

Describing the incident as a tragic moment for the community, the monarch lamented the difficulty of raising such a huge sum of money.

“It is a very sad day for us. Imagine young men and a woman with promising lives ahead of them being abducted at a hotel where they went to rest after a function,” he said.

Oba Obajoye, however, commended the Edo State Police Command and the state government for their efforts to rescue the victims.

He disclosed that security operatives had attempted to trace the kidnappers using modern technology, but the effort was unsuccessful.

“We hope the rescue operations will continue so that our people can safely reunite with their families,” he said.

It was also gathered that one person sustained a gunshot injury while attempting to escape during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said he would respond at a later time, as of the filing of this report.