The abductors of eight residents of Imoga, in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, have reduced the ransom demanded for their release from an initial N100 million to N40 million.
The victims were kidnapped last Friday at a hotel along the Imoga Ibillo Road, after returning from Ibillo where they had attended a social function and decided to lodge for the night.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Abudu, said negotiations with the kidnappers were ongoing, adding that the ransom had earlier been brought down to N70 million before the latest reduction to N40 million.
According to the traditional ruler, the community is still pressing for a further reduction to N20 million, noting that all stakeholders are prepared to raise the money once a final agreement is reached.
“We have continued to negotiate with the kidnappers and they have now agreed to reduce the ransom to N40 million. We are still appealing to them to consider N20 million,” Oba Abudu said.
He added, “Our people are on standby to raise the money for the ransom, and payment will be made immediately once the amount is agreed upon.”
The monarch expressed concern over the safety of the victims, noting that they had spent five days in captivity, a situation that has disrupted activities within the community.
“I have not been able to travel out of the kingdom to attend to pressing issues because of this incident. We are deeply worried about the safety of our people,” he said.
Narrating how the incident occurred, sources said the kidnappers stormed Star Boy Hotel on Imoga Ibillo Road, reportedly dressed in Nigerian Army uniforms. They were said to have pretended to be customers by ordering drinks while claiming to be waiting for someone.
The assailants later accosted the hotel owner, seized his two mobile phones along with those of the other guests, tied their hands, and marched them into the bush on foot.
The hotel is owned by an indigene of Imoga, and the incident has heightened tension within the community, with residents calling for increased security presence in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims were still ongoing.
