The Edo State Police Command has said its officers alongside operatives from other security agencies rescued a 70-year-old man abducted in Uwalo Oke, Uromi, Jonah Owobu, and foiled a ₦30 million ransom demand by his abductors.

In a statement on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said Mr Owobu was declared missing on April 20, 2026, after he failed to return from his farm in Uwalo Oke.

The command said, “On 21st April, 2026, at about 0710hrs, the command received a report from the wife of one Pa Jonah Owobu of Uwalo Oke, Uromi, that her husband aged 70 years had failed to return from his farm on 20th April, 2026.”

She said the victim’s wife later reported that unknown persons contacted the family at about 9:30 p.m on the same day, demanding N30 million for his release.

The police spokesperson said that following the report received at about 7:10 a.m. on April 21, operatives of the Amedokhian Division, in collaboration with soldiers, hunters, and the Edo State Security Corps, launched a joint rescue operation in nearby forest areas.

She stated, “During the operation, the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings were recovered along a forest route, which guided operatives deeper into the area. The team eventually located the hideout where the victim was being held. On sighting the advancing operatives, the suspected kidnappers fled into the bush, abandoning the victi.”

Mrs Ikoedem added Mr Owobu was rescued unhurt and had since been reunited with his family.

The command added that a manhunt was ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, reiterating its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.