Labour Party Ward Chairman Kidnapped, Abductors Demand N50m Ransom

The Chairman of Labour Party (LP) Ward 1 in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr. Okasime Olowojoba, has been abducted by gunmen along the Auchi-Benin-Ibillo Road.

Olowojoba, who is also a real estate agent, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday while returning to Igarra from Auchi, where he had gone to pick up his children following the holidays. The incident occurred at a known flashpoint for kidnappings around Sasaro.

Sources close to the family revealed that the kidnappers initially seized all occupants of the vehicle—including Olowojoba, his children, and a househelp—but later released the children and househelp, taking only Olowojoba into the forest. His vehicle was abandoned at the scene.

A family member confirmed that the abductors have demanded a ransom of N50 million. “The incident happened when there was no network in the area, and we couldn’t establish contact until the following day,” the relative said.

Local reports indicate that other kidnappings may have occurred in the same area over the weekend. As of the time of this report, the Edo State Police Command has not issued an official statement, and efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, have been unsuccessful.

The Labour Party and local authorities are yet to comment on the development.