A farmer, identified as Festus Chukwuyem, who was kidnapped by gunmen while working in his farm in Edo State, has reportedly paid N5.5 million to regain freedom from the abductors.
DAILY POST gathered that the incident happened on June 10, 2024 at Ugomoson community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area of the state.
The victim, who spoke to newsmen, said he was kidnapped while working on his farm.
He said the abductors had earlier demanded N10 million ransom, but he was eventually released last Wednesday after the payment of about N5.5 million.
He said the kidnappers told him that he was kidnapped in retaliation for the killing of their cows in January 2023, in the community.
Chukwuyem said the Edo State Police Command was aware of the development, as the case was later reported to the police at Okhu Division.
A member of the community, Frank Okunwaye, who also spoke on the incident, called on the state government to check the insecurity ravaging the community.
Okunwaye explained that following the incident, the residents who are mainly farmers can no longer access their farms.
When contacted the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said the Command was not aware of the incident.
He however advised the victim to report to the nearest Police station for necessary actions.
Abducted farmer pays N5.5m ransom in Edo
