A teenage girl identified as Blessing, who was abducted by suspected armed herders in Edo State, has regained her freedom after spending five harrowing days in captivity.
The victim was rescued by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) at Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, on Wednesday — days after she was kidnapped at Ayogwiri in Etsako West Local Government Area.
Sources told Hobnob News that Blessing was abducted along with her mother and two other women while returning from the farm. Her mother and the others, who sustained injuries during the attack, were released the same day, while Blessing was taken deeper into the forest by her captors, who later demanded ₦5 million ransom.
A viral video circulating online on Wednesday captured the moment the traumatised teenager was rescued by ESSC officials. When asked how long she had been in captivity, Blessing, visibly shaken, replied, “I have been in the bush for five days.”
One of the vigilantes involved in the rescue, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the joint security team combed the forest before locating the victim.
“The kidnappers fled after a shootout, but some of them were arrested. The girl was rescued safely,” the source confirmed.
Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, were unsuccessful as his phone was unreachable at the time of filing this report.
Edo State has witnessed a disturbing rise in kidnapping and cult-related incidents in recent months. Security agencies have intensified joint operations across various local government areas to clamp down on criminal activities.
In March 2025, a mob lynched seven suspected kidnappers in Uromi after weapons were discovered in their truck. Despite such incidents, cases of abduction persist.
In a recent case, a retired headmaster, Mr. Eliaser Olorunloju, was kidnapped near a Fulani settlement between Sasaro and Ayetoro in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. His abductors have reportedly demanded a ₦70 million ransom from his family.
Authorities have assured residents of continued efforts to secure communities and restore peace across the state.
