There were mixed emotions of relief and sorrow in Erinmope Ekiti, located in Moba Local Government Area, on Thursday as six members of a family who had been kidnapped returned home safely. Tragically, a seventh victim—a woman—reportedly collapsed and died while in captivity.
The abductees were said to have spent weeks trekking under duress with their captors across vast forest areas stretching through Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi states.
The ordeal began on January 24 when five women—including a nursing mother, a pregnant woman, and three others—were abducted from Erinmope Ekiti and taken into the forest. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million.
In an attempt to secure their release, two male relatives delivered N10 million to the abductors. However, the amount was rejected, and the two men were subsequently detained, raising the number of hostages to seven.
Sources disclosed that the family eventually paid N25 million, after which the captives were released earlier this week.
Recounting the experience on Thursday, one of the freed victims, Muhammad Soliu, said the deceased woman collapsed from exhaustion during the harrowing trek through the forest.
“We walked several kilometres barefoot, without food or water, from a forest in Kwara to the Kogi axis. At some point, we lost hope of surviving,” Soliu said.
He continued, “While we were being moved between locations, the woman collapsed. We begged the kidnappers to allow us carry her, but they threatened to kill us if we stopped. They ordered us to keep moving without looking back. It was a nightmare. We are appealing to the authorities to help us recover her body for a proper burial.”
Soliu explained that he and his brother were tied together after delivering the initial N10 million and were forced deeper into the forest. They were not permitted to see or communicate with the five women who had first been abducted.
According to him, the six surviving victims were released at different locations in Kogi and Kwara states on Tuesday and had to find their way back home to Erinmope.
“I was released in Idofin, Kwara State, while the others were freed in Kogi State. My brother and I spent 11 days in captivity, while the five women were held for about a month,” he said.
The pregnant woman was reportedly taken to a hospital at an undisclosed location for medical care following her release.
He further stated that all properties linked to the suspects would remain sealed pending their surrender. According to him, Akhiombare allegedly placed a N1 million bounty on the victim and provided funds for the weapons used in the attack.
“We have engaged Interpol, and there will be no safe haven for him or his accomplices. Anyone involved in murder in this state will be pursued relentlessly,” he said, adding that the government would not be deterred in its resolve to end cult-related violence.
It would be recalled that in January 2025, Governor Monday Okpebholo signed into law the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025. The legislation introduced stringent penalties aimed at tackling cultism, including capital punishment for cult-related killings.
Under the law, sponsors of cult activities face up to 21 years in prison, while landlords or school proprietors who knowingly harbour cultists risk a 10-year jail term and demolition of their properties.
Other key provisions include the death penalty for cult-related murders, 21-year imprisonment for active members and financiers, as well as 10-year sentences and property forfeiture for those who allow their premises to be used for cult operations.