Police rescue abducted 70-year-old man in Edo

The Edo State Police Command on Saturday said it foiled a ransom payment plot and rescued a 70-year-old man abducted in the state.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, the victim, Pa Jonah Owobu of Uwalo Oke, Uromi in Edo Central, was reported to have gone to his farm on April 21, 2026, but did not return home.

His wife, who reported him missing, said that at about 21:30hrs on the same day, unknown individuals contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release before he was later rescued.

“The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, successfully rescued a kidnapped victim following a swift and coordinated search and rescue operation.

On April 21, 2026, at about 07:10hrs, the command received a report from the wife of Pa Jonah Owobu of Uwalo Oke, Uromi, that her husband, aged 70 years, had failed to return from his farm on April 20, 2026.

“She further reported that at about 21:30hrs on the same day, unknown individuals contacted the family demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Amedokhian Divisional Police Officer promptly mobilised a joint team comprising police operatives, military personnel, local hunters and members of the Edo State Security Corps for an immediate search and rescue operation within the forest.

During the operation, the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings were recovered along a forest route, which guided operatives deeper into the area.

“The team eventually located the hideout where the victim was being held. On sighting the advancing operatives, the suspected kidnappers fled into the bush, abandoning the victim.

“The victim was successfully rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with his family,” the statement read.

Ikoedem said bush combing and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects were ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other crimes in the state, assuring residents of sustained security operations and urging them to provide timely information.

The reports that operatives of the Edo State Police Command earlier rescued nine victims from separate kidnapping incidents in the state.

Three of the victims were rescued from the GUO bus incident, while six others were rescued from separate incidents across the state.