Despite paying a ransom of N5.3 million, the abductors of Okasime Olowojoba, a ward leader of the Labour Party in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, have yet to release him.
Olowojoba was kidnapped on April 26, 2025, while traveling back to Igarra with his wife, children, and housemaid after a visit to Auchi.
Although the family managed to raise and deliver the ransom, he remains in captivity.
According to relatives, the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million but have since gone silent after collecting the reduced amount.
His younger brother, Omozame Olowojoba, expressed growing concern over the lack of communication from the abductors, saying the family is increasingly anxious about his safety.
“Today marks eight days since they last contacted us. They collected the ransom on Tuesday and called us the following Wednesday, demanding N30 million, stating that the N5.3 million we gave them the previous day was for feeding. The next day, Thursday, they called again to demand another N5 million, which we no longer have. Since then, they have not contacted us,” Omozame said.
Omozame recounted having a phone conversation with his brother just a day before the family handed over the N5.3 million ransom.
However, all communication with the kidnappers has since ceased.
He also spoke of the deep emotional distress the ordeal has caused the victim’s wife and children.
“We are all very worried. We are appealing to the state government and security agencies to help rescue our brother. We also appeal to his abductors to release him so he can reunite with his family. He is a young man struggling to take care of them,” he added.
The development has raised alarm among members of the Labour Party and residents of Igarra, who are urging authorities to intensify efforts to ensure Olowojoba’s safe return.
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