Family Of Kidnapped Edo Man, Lucky Imoukhuede Begs For Ransom As Abductors Threaten To K!ll Him
The family of Mr. Lucky Imoukhuede, who was kidnapped last Saturday along the Benin–Sobe Road in Edo State, has appealed for urgent assistance.
The family said on Wednesday that the kidnappers had threatened to k!ll him if the full ransom of ₦10 million is not paid by the end of today (Wednesday).
In a statement made available to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, a distraught family member revealed that the family had managed to raise ₦6 million after selling most of their belongings, yet the kidnappers are refusing to release Imoukhuede until they get the remaining ₦4 million.
The statement reads: “The family of Mr. Lucky Imoukhuede, who was kidnapped on Saturday along the Benin–Sube Road, has made a passionate appeal to security agencies, the Edo State Government, and the general public for urgent assistance to secure his release.
“According to the distraught family, they have managed to raise 6 million after selling all their belongings, but the kidnappers are still demanding a ransom of N10million. The abductors have allegedly threatened to k!ll Mr. Imoukhuede if the full amount is not paid today.
Speaking in tears, a family member pleaded with well-meaning Nigerians to come to their aid, stressing that time is running out and her brother’s life is in grave danger.
The family also made available a phone contact number (08169444538) for any member of the public willing to assist in raising funds or facilitating his rescue.
The latest incident comes amid growing alarm over the worsening spate of kidnappings along major highways in Edo State.
Civic-tech accountability group MonITNG had earlier raised a red flag over the surge in abductions across the state, warning that the Benin–Sobe–Akure corridor has become a “hot zone” for armed kidnappers.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), MonITNG described the insecurity as “a frightening breakdown of law and order,” listing several victims—including Mr. John Odion from Ogute-Emai, Owan East LGA, and Miss Ayeni Joy—who were abducted around the NIFOR area near Aso-Rock Police Checkpoint on October 25, 2025.
According to the group, at least ten passengers were kidnapped during that attack, with the abductors initially demanding ₦20 million ransom before later reducing it to ₦10 million after negotiations.
“This is a call for justice, action, and humanity,” the organization said. “Edo State must not become a haven for kidnappers. The government and security agencies must rise to their duty—protect lives, rescue victims, and restore peace.”
Despite repeated appeals from civil society groups and victims’ families, neither the Edo State government nor the Nigerian Police Force has issued any new update on the ongoing abduction cases.
Residents who spoke to SaharaReporters said the highways have become “a de@th trap,” with kidnappers operating freely, often in broad daylight.
“These criminals have taken over the roads. People are scared to travel. The government is silent while we keep paying ransom,” a driver plying the Benin–Akure route lamented.