Kidnappers kill son, release father after a ransom was paid in Edo

A family was kidnapped on Saturday along the New-Agbor Road in Uromi, Edo State, has been killed, findings gathered on Wednesday.

The victim, identified as Pedro Ojiemen, a post-primary student, was abducted alongside his father, Mr. Sunday Ojiemen.

The kidnappers later released Sunday, and another woman, Grace Edebor, whose husband, James Edebor, was killed during the abduction last week Wednesday.

According to a family member who spoke with our correspondent on Wednesday, the victims were released after #30m ransom was paid.

A community leader in New-Agbor road, who does not want his Name to be in print for the fear of the unknow, spoke with one of the victims, said Pedro was killed after being beaten repeatedly, which left him unable to walk.

“The kidnappers made them walk for 72 hours nonstop without food or water. Pedro, who had been beaten several times, became too weak to continue and was subsequently killed by the kidnappers,” the community leader said.

The victims were abducted around 7:30 PM on Saturday along new Agbor road 10 miles from the police check-point.

The kidnappers shot and killed Samson Igene, who was driving the car transporting the victims to Uromi after an event in Agbor, Delta State.

Sources revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded a N60m ransom around 9 PM on Monday.

However, the families were able to negotiate their freedom with the assailants with the sum of N30m, which was delivered at a spot on the Agbor-Benin Road, Edo State.

The captives were later released around 3:30 AM. on Saturday in Ewossa.

“Efforts are reportedly underway to locate Pedro’s body and recover the remains”, said one of the family members.

The Secretary of Uromi Youth Association (UYA) Joseph confirmed the release of the victims, stating that “Three people were released at midnight, but a boy among them was killed. I learnt that the kidnappers collected N30m ransom.” Joseph said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Joel Yamu, did not respond to calls or messages as at the time of filing this report.

It was reported that Five pupils, three female teachers and a driver of a school bus were kidnapped at the same spot on April 30.

Mrs. Okosun, wife of a retiree, Francis Okosun, was also kidnapped on May 3r around the same area.