Labour Party Chieftain Kidnapped in Edo: Abductors Demand N50 Million Ransom

 

Tragedy struck over the weekend in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State as suspected kidnappers abducted Okasime Olowojoba, a prominent Labour Party (LP) chieftain and real estate developer.

Olowojoba, who also serves as the Ward 1 Chairman of the Labour Party in Akoko-Edo, was kidnapped along the notorious Auchi-Benin-Ibilo Road on Saturday, April 26, 2025 a stretch of highway increasingly known for violent abductions.

According to family sources, Olowojoba had traveled to Auchi to pick up his children after a holiday visit, intending to bring them back to Igarra for school resumption. Tragically, what should have been a simple family journey turned into a nightmare.

On their way back, armed kidnappers ambushed the family near Sasaro a dark spot that has gained an unfortunate reputation for repeated kidnappings. Initially, the assailants seized Olowojoba, his children, and a househelp. However, after some time, they released the children and househelp, choosing to hold only Olowojoba captive.

His abandoned vehicle was later found on the roadside, grim evidence of the frightening encounter.

Communication with the outside world was initially impossible due to a total network blackout in the area that lasted until Sunday afternoon. By then, the kidnappers had already contacted Olowojoba’s family, demanding a staggering N50 million ransoms for his release.

A family member, speaking under condition of anonymity, confirmed the chilling details:

"He had gone to Auchi to pick up his kids so they could resume school. Sadly, the kidnappers struck at a bad spot. They kept him and let the children and househelp go. As of Monday, they demanded N50 million for his release. Sadly, he wasn’t the only victim there were other kidnappings reported in the area the following day."

The increasing cases of abduction along the Auchi-Ibilo axis are raising alarms about security in Edo State, with many residents now calling for urgent government intervention.