Ekiti: Abductee dies in captivity despite N25m ransom, six others freed

By Boye Oyeyemi –

One of seven persons abducted by gunmen in Erinmope-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, reportedly died in captivity despite the payment of a N25 million ransom for the victims’ release.

Family members confirmed that six of the abductees have regained freedom, while the body of the deceased victim has yet to be recovered for burial. The incident has caused deep concern in the community.

The victims were kidnapped on January 24, 2026, when armed men invaded the town and abducted five women, including a nursing mother and a pregnant woman. The kidnappers initially demanded a N100 million ransom.

The situation escalated when two individuals who delivered an initial N10 million ransom to the kidnappers were also seized after the amount was rejected.

One of the freed victims, Muhammad Soliu, described the ordeal as traumatic. He said the abductees were subjected to harsh conditions, left for days in the forest without food or water, and forced to trek long distances barefoot while tied together.

He added that one of the women, identified as Hawau Suleiman, collapsed from exhaustion during the journey and later died, becoming the abductee who did not survive despite the family’s payment.

Soliu explained that the kidnappers moved the victims across forests stretching from Kwara State to parts of Kogi State. Some were eventually released after spending between 11 days and nearly a month in captivity. He noted that the kidnappers appeared organised and communicated in multiple Nigerian languages.

The family has appealed to authorities to help recover the remains of the deceased, still believed to be in the forest. The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said the command would investigate the incident and provide further updates.