The family of seven abducted persons in Erinmope-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, is mourning the death of one of the victims in captivity after six others regained freedom following payment of N25 million ransom.
The deceased’s remains are yet to be recovered and handed over to her family for burial.
The victims were abducted on January 24, 2026, when gunmen stormed the community and kidnapped five women, including a nursing mother and a pregnant woman, while initially demanding N100 million for their release.
Family members reportedly raised N10 million and sent two relatives to deliver the money, but the kidnappers rejected the sum and detained the emissaries, increasing the number of captives to seven.
After further negotiations, N25 million was paid, leading to the release of six abductees
Muhammad Soliu, one of the freed victims and among the two ransom bearers later detained, recounted their ordeal in captivity.
“They tied us together like goats and forced us to trek several kilometres barefoot through thick forests,” he said.
Soliu said the deceased, identified as Hawau Suleiman, became too weak to continue the trek and eventually collapsed.
“She was exhausted from the long distance we were made to walk. We pleaded with them 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 the worst experience of my life,” he said.
He said the abductors, who operated in shifts and spoke English and other Nigerian languages, moved them through forests stretching from parts of Kwara to the Kogi axis.
Soliu said he was released in the Idofin area of Kwara, while others were freed in Kogi state.
“We spent 11 days in captivity, while the five women abducted earlier had spent about a month in the forest,” he added.
He appealed to authorities to assist in recovering Suleiman’s remains for burial, noting that locating the exact spot where she died would be difficult due to the depth of the forest.
The pregnant woman among the released victims has been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
Sunday Abutu, police spokesperson in Ekiti, said the command would investigate the incident and provide further details.