Despite N5 Million Ransom Payment, Labour Party Leader Okasime Olowojoba Remains in Captivity in Edo State

 

In a deeply troubling development that has sent shockwaves through Akoko-Edo Local Government Area and beyond, Okasime Olowojoba, a prominent ward leader of the Labour Party, remains in the hands of kidnappers despite the payment of a ransom. The incident, which unfolded on April 26, 2025, continues to grip the local community with fear and anxiety, as the hopes of Olowojoba’s safe return hang in uncertainty.

The Kidnapping Incident

Okasime Olowojoba was abducted while returning home to Igarra, the administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo, after a family trip to Auchi. Traveling with his wife, children, and housemaid, the family was suddenly ambushed by unknown assailants. Since that fateful day, the family has been embroiled in a desperate struggle to secure his release.

What makes the case particularly distressing is that despite the family managing to raise and pay a ransom of N5.3 million, Olowojoba has not been freed. The kidnappers initially demanded an exorbitant sum of N50 million, a demand that placed immense pressure on the family and community to negotiate for his safety.

Ransom Demands and Communication Breakdown

Olowojoba’s younger brother, Omozame Olowojoba, shared insights into the ongoing ordeal, revealing the unsettling pattern of ransom demands and the silence that followed the partial payment.

“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 told reporters.

This escalation in ransom demands after receiving the initial payment is a familiar and distressing pattern in many kidnapping cases across Nigeria. The kidnappers’ sudden silence since the last communication has only deepened the family’s anguish.

Emotional Toll on the Family

The psychological and emotional impact of the abduction on Olowojoba’s family has been profound. Omozame described how his brother’s wife and children are struggling to cope with the trauma and uncertainty.

“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,” Omozame added.

The plight of Olowojoba’s family reflects the broader human cost of kidnappings in Edo State and Nigeria at large, where families are left devastated, often caught between impossible financial demands and the hope of reunification with their loved ones.

Public and Political Reactions

The kidnapping has sparked concern within the Labour Party and the local community in Igarra. Political leaders and residents alike have called on Edo State authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and safely recover Olowojoba.

The incident highlights the growing menace of kidnappings in Edo State, where political figures, businessmen, and ordinary citizens increasingly face the threat of abduction. This security challenge undermines local stability and the confidence of the public in the ability of law enforcement agencies to protect lives.

The Larger Context: Kidnapping Crisis in Edo State

Edo State has witnessed a troubling rise in kidnapping incidents over the past few years, with criminal gangs exploiting the area’s porous security and sometimes limited police presence. Victims often include politicians, community leaders, and travelers on busy roads. The case of Okasime Olowojoba is, unfortunately, one among many.

Security experts suggest that ransom payments, while sometimes seen as a way to secure victims’ release quickly, may inadvertently encourage kidnappers to continue and escalate their demands, as seen in Olowojoba’s case. This complex dynamic places families in perilous positions, as meeting demands does not always guarantee freedom.

Calls for Enhanced Security Measures

Given the high-profile nature of the kidnapping, there have been renewed calls for the Edo State government to bolster security measures, especially in vulnerable communities like Akoko-Edo. Increased patrols, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration between local vigilante groups and police forces are among the suggested steps.

The Labour Party has also urged political stakeholders to unite in addressing the kidnapping menace, emphasizing the need for community engagement and preventative strategies that go beyond reactive responses.

What Next? Family’s Plea for Justice and Rescue

As the days pass without further contact from the kidnappers, Olowojoba’s family continues to hope for his safe return. They have made public appeals for help and justice, urging security agencies to deploy all available resources to end his captivity.

“We are appealing to the state government and security agencies to help rescue our brother,” Omozame said. “We also appeal to his abductors to release him so he can reunite with his family.”

The situation remains fragile, with the family’s emotions running high as they await any news or breakthrough. Their story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to combat the rise of kidnappings in Edo State and across Nigeria.