Security operatives rescue 70-year-old farmer from kidnappers in Edo

Security operatives have rescued a 70-year-old, Pa Jonah Owobu, from captivity in Uromi, Edo State, after he was abducted by suspected kidnappers.

The victim’s wife had reported his disappearance to the police on April 21, 2026, stating that he failed to return home after going to his farm the previous day.

She later informed authorities that unidentified individuals contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the Divisional Police Officer in Amedokhian immediately mobilised a joint rescue team comprising police personnel, military operatives, local hunters and members of the Edo State Security Corps to comb surrounding forests.

During the operation, the team recovered the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings along a forest path, which helped guide them deeper into the area.

According to Ikoedem, operatives eventually traced the kidnappers’ hideout, but the suspects fled into the bush on sighting the advancing security team,,
leaving the victim behind.
“The victim was successfully rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with his family,” she said.

She added that ongoing bush-combing operations and a manhunt have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities, assuring residents of sustained security operations while urging the public to provide timely and credible information to aid law enforcement efforts.