Brothers Make Daring Escape from Kidnappers' Den
Two brothers identified as Isaac and Victor Olayere executed a dramatic escape from their kidnappers in an Edo State forest after their captors unexpectedly fell into deep sleep. The abduction occurred on Saturday, November 8, 2025 along the Adughe–Imoga Road in Edo State, throwing the Uma/Imoga community into panic and confusion.
₦22 Million Ransom Demand and Community Response
The kidnappers had demanded a staggering ₦22 million ransom from the brothers' family, creating immense pressure as relatives scrambled to gather the funds. The traditional ruler of the area, Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, confirmed he immediately reported the incident to the Ibillo Police Station, hoping for official intervention to secure the victims' release.
While frantic efforts to raise the ransom money were underway, the brothers managed to contact their father using an unknown phone number to deliver the incredible news: they had successfully escaped captivity. The monarch explained the extraordinary circumstances that led to their freedom.
Vigilante Cooperation Leads to Safe Return
According to Oba Obajoye's account to The Punch, the kidnappers suddenly went into a deep sleep in the forest, creating the perfect opportunity for Isaac and Victor to make their escape. The brothers were later discovered by vigilantes from Adughe, a neighboring Kogi community that shares the same Okpameri language with Uma/Imoga.
The vigilante group promptly alerted Imoga residents, triggering immediate mobilization of community youths who combed the forest in search of the escaped brothers and their captors. However, by the time the search party reached the location, the kidnappers had already fled the area, avoiding confrontation.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and demonstrates how community vigilance and cooperation between neighboring areas can contribute to positive outcomes in kidnapping situations.
