Security operatives in Edo State have rescued a 70-year-old farmer, Pa Jonah Owobu, after he was abducted by suspected kidnappers in Uromi.
The incident came to light after his wife reported him missing to the police on 21 April 2026. She explained that he did not return home after going to his farm the previous day.
Shortly after, the family received a call from unknown persons demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.
According to the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, the Divisional Police Officer in Amedokhian quickly assembled a joint rescue team. The team included police officers, soldiers, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps.
The combined team began a search of nearby forests to track down the kidnappers. During the operation, they found the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and some of his personal items along a bush path, which helped guide their search deeper into the forest.
Security operatives later located the suspected kidnappers’ hideout. However, on noticing the approaching team, the criminals ran into the bush and escaped, leaving the elderly man behind.
The victim was rescued without injuries and has since been safely reunited with his family.
Authorities also confirmed that search efforts are still ongoing, with security operatives intensifying patrols and combing surrounding areas in an attempt to arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, assured residents that the command remains committed to fighting kidnapping and other crimes. He also encouraged the public to continue sharing useful and timely information to support security operations across the state.