A secondary school student abducted in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State has been freed after a ransom of ₦2 million was paid for her release.
Tope Oriloye was kidnapped on February 8 in Makeke Community by armed men who also seized Samuel Ilesanmi at a community health centre. Ilesanmi had reportedly accompanied his wife and son to the facility when he was abducted.
The National Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Bode Ekundayo, confirmed Oriloye’s release in a message issued on Thursday, February 19.
“We give thanks to God for the safe return of Tope Oriloye last night following the payment of ₦2 million. She is safe, in good health, and unharmed. We are praying for the safe release of the second victim, who is from Ososo,” the statement read.
Community sources said the kidnappers initially demanded ₦100 million for both victims but later agreed to ₦2 million for Oriloye’s freedom after negotiations. Ilesanmi, an indigene of Ososo, remains in captivity.
The Edo State Police Command also confirmed the development. The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, stated, “I can confirm that Tope Oriloye has regained her freedom.”
The incident adds to a string of recent kidnappings in Edo State. On January 9, seven residents of Imoga were abducted at a hotel along the Imoga-Ibillo axis. The assailants reportedly demanded ₦100 million before reducing the ransom to ₦70 million and later ₦40 million during negotiations. The victims were eventually released on January 19.
Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to curb the rising wave of abductions in parts of the state.
