Ekiti: One dies in kidnappers’ den as 6 regain freedom after ransom payment

One of the seven abducted people in Erinmope-Ekiti, in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, has died in the kidnappers’ den, while six others regained their freedom after the payment of N25m ransom. The remains of the victim have not been released to the family. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, gunmen stormed Erinmope-Ekiti, seized […]

One of the seven abducted people in Erinmope-Ekiti, in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, has died in the kidnappers’ den, while six others regained their freedom after the payment of N25m ransom.

The remains of the victim have not been released to the family.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, gunmen stormed Erinmope-Ekiti, seized five women and demanded N100million ransom for their release.

Among those abducted were a nursing mother and an expectant mother.

Two other people (ransom bearers) were later detained after the kidnappers rejected the initial N10 million ransom taken to the jungle.

Narrating their ordeal, one of the victims, Muhammad Soliu, said their abductors subjected them to the worst form of cruelty as they were left for days in the jungle without food or water to drink.

He said they were tied together like goats. 

Tragically, he said one of them, identified as Hawau Suleiman, died while in captivity. 

She was said to have been exhausted while trekking long distances in the jungle and died in the process.

“We are pleading with the authorities to assist us in the recovery of the corpse for proper burial arrangements.

When contacted, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations, SP Sunday Abutu, promised to investigate the matter and get back.