Vigilantes rescue kidnapped teenager in Edo 

…retired headmaster remains in captivity

The agrarian community of Ayogwiri in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State was thrown into relief on Thursday after local vigilantes rescued a 12-year-old girl kidnapped a few days earlier by suspected herdsmen on a farm road.

The teenager was abducted on October 10 while returning from the farm with her mother and other women.

Tribune Online gathered that the victim was rescued unhurt by vigilantes from Ayogwiri and nearby villages. It was also learnt that no ransom was paid, while one member of the gang responsible for the abduction was arrested.

However, the atmosphere remains tense in Aiyegunle, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, where a retired headmaster, Eliaser Olorunloju, was kidnapped around the same time but is still in captivity.

Olorunloju, who was abducted six days ago, remains with his captors, who are reportedly demanding N4 million ransom.

In a related incident, a woman identified as Mrs. Alao managed to escape from her abductors after raising an alarm while they attempted to take her away.

Olorunloju was seized near a settlement around Ayetoro along the Igarra–Uneme-Nekhua–Ibillo road while returning to Ugboshi-ele from Igarra, where he had gone to make photocopies of documents for his son’s school resumption.

A resident, Kayode Alabi, said the community is living in fear and urged the government and security agencies to intervene. He added that most residents now rush home before 4 p.m. daily to avoid being kidnapped.

Reports from nearby Ugboshi-Afe said a farmer who went to his farm around 4 p.m. on Wednesday has not returned. A search team later found only his shirt and shoes, raising concerns among villagers.

Alabi said, “The daring posture of these kidnappers is alarming and terrifying. We are living in fear every day.

“We are appealing to security agencies and the Edo State Government to strengthen security across Akoko-Edo to safeguard lives and restore confidence.

“Ugboshi-Afe remains in a state of confusion as the search for the missing farmer continues.”

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