In a rare twist of fate, Isaac and Victor Olayere, two brothers kidnapped in Edo State, regained their freedom after their abductors allegedly fell asleep, allowing the victims to flee unnoticed. The incident took place on November 8, 2025, along the Adughe–Imoga Road, a notorious stretch in Badagry West, near the borders of Ondo and Kogi States New Telegraph The Punch.
The brothers were taken deep into the forest by armed men who later demanded a ₦22 million ransom from their family. While efforts were underway to raise the money, the brothers managed to call their father using an unknown number, informing him of their escape. Their call sparked a swift response from local vigilantes in Adughe, who combed the forest and eventually located the brothers News Digest Nigeria.
The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, confirmed the development in a phone interview, expressing relief and urging security agencies to intervene in the region. He described Imoga as a kidnapping hotspot, citing its vulnerable location at the intersection of three states The Punch Legit.ng.
The vigilantes who found the brothers alerted the community, and youths from Imoga joined the search. By the time they reached the kidnappers’ camp, the abductors had already fled, likely realizing their captives had escaped.
This incident has reignited concerns about rural security, the efficacy of law enforcement, and the role of community-led vigilante groups in combating crime. It also highlights the growing trend of kidnappings for ransom in Nigeria’s border towns.
Sources: New Telegraph The Punch News Digest Nigeria Legit.ng
