Two Palm-Wine Tappers Kidnapped in Delta State, One Killed After Family Offers Just N10,000 Ransom

Two palm-wine tappers were kidnapped on Thursday in the Emuhu community near Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, and one of them was killed after his family could only raise N10,000 for his release.

The victims, known for their daily trips into the bush to tap palm wine, were ambushed by armed men who have been targeting rural communities in Delta and neighboring Edo State. A video circulating  shows the surviving tappers lying on the ground, weak and dehydrated, shortly after being rescued.

Local authorities and security operatives responded immediately. Troops from the 63 Brigade, the Emuhu Vigilante Group, Anti-Cult Abavo, Operation Soup, and several police units launched a coordinated search from Emuhu through Abavo, Obi-Ayama, and into the forests of Urhonigbe in Edo State.

The search led to the rescue of one victim in Urhonigbe. He was found traumatized and unable to walk without support. He recounted how his colleague was shot dead after the kidnappers rejected the N10,000 ransom, calling it an insult.

Security expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident, describing it as an example of the dangers faced by rural communities where poverty limits families’ ability to meet ransom demands.

The surviving victim is receiving medical treatment, while joint security forces continue operations to apprehend the kidnappers.