Farmer rescued from kidnappers’ den in Edo

Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have rescued a 59-year-old farmer, Aminu Yusuf, from kidnappers in the state. The victim was abducted on his way to his farm in Iddo, Okpella community, Etsako East Local Government Area by suspected kidnappers. Sources said the abductors contacted his family hours after the incident, demanding a […]

Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have rescued a 59-year-old farmer, Aminu Yusuf, from kidnappers in the state.

The victim was abducted on his way to his farm in Iddo, Okpella community, Etsako East Local Government Area by suspected kidnappers.

Sources said the abductors contacted his family hours after the incident, demanding a ransom of N20 million and issuing a 24-hour ultimatum.

It was gathered that while the family was making efforts to raise the ransom, the kidnappers began inflicting machete cuts on the victim.

A source said operatives of the Okpella Command of the ESSC, in collaboration with local hunters, mobilised to the forest following intelligence reports.

During the rescue operation, the kidnappers engaged the team in a gun battle but fled, abandoning the victim.

Yusuf was rescued and taken to hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

The Corps Commander, Richard Balogun, who confirmed the incident, commended his men for the successful operation.

“The kidnappers inflicted machete cuts on the victim. It was during the process that my men stormed the forest and rescued him. He is currently receiving treatment,” he said.

He warned scrap metal dealers against purchasing suspected stolen items, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

Balogun added that suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.