Eight people, including a woman, have been abducted by suspected gunmen from a hotel in Imoga, Edo State, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of ₦100 million, heightening fear among residents.
The abduction took place on Friday night at Star Boy Hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo Road. The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, confirmed that all the victims are natives of Imoga who had travelled to Ibillo for a social engagement and chose to lodge at the hotel overnight.
In a telephone interview on Monday, the monarch explained that the attackers arrived at the hotel wearing what appeared to be military uniforms, making them look like security operatives. They reportedly ordered drinks and waited for a while before carrying out the attack.
According to Oba Obajoye, the gunmen later confronted the hotel owner, seized his two mobile phones, and collected the phones of others present. The victims were then restrained and forcefully taken on foot into a nearby forest.
He said the abductors initially demanded ₦100 million for the release of the captives but later reduced the sum to ₦70 million after negotiations. The kidnappers were also said to have instructed that one of the hotel owner’s vehicles be sold to help raise part of the ransom.
“As we speak, eight of our people, including one woman, are still being held,” the monarch said, adding that the way the kidnappers communicated during ransom discussions raised suspicion that the operation may have involved insider assistance.
Describing the incident as deeply troubling, Oba Obajoye lamented the difficulty of raising such a large amount of money, noting that the victims were young people with promising futures who were abducted from a place meant for rest and safety.
He commended the Edo State Police Command and the state government for their response and ongoing rescue efforts. However, he disclosed that attempts by security agencies to track the kidnappers using advanced technology had so far been unsuccessful.
It was also gathered that one person sustained a gunshot injury while trying to escape during the attack and is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital.
When contacted for comments, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said he would issue an official statement later.
