A teenage girl identified simply as Blessing has regained her freedom five days after being kidnapped by suspected armed herders in Edo State.
Okay News reports that the teenager was rescued on Wednesday by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) during a joint search operation in the dense forest around Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
Blessing was abducted last week at Ayogwiri, in the Etsako West Local Government Area, alongside her mother and two other women who were attacked while returning from their farm. The other victims, who sustained injuries, were released the same day, leaving Blessing in the custody of her abductors.
According to community sources, the kidnapping caused widespread fear in the area as the suspects reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦5 million for her release.
A video that surfaced on Wednesday showed the emotional moment ESSC operatives rescued the distraught teenager from the bush. In the clip, the visibly shaken Blessing confirmed to officials that she had spent five days in captivity.
“I have been in the bush for five days,” she said in a trembling voice.
One of the local vigilantes involved in the rescue operation, who requested anonymity, said the team combed the forest thoroughly before spotting the victim. He explained that the kidnappers fled after a brief gun exchange, though some were apprehended.
“We searched the forest carefully before locating her. The kidnappers ran away after a shootout, but some of them were not so lucky as they were caught,” the source disclosed.
Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, were unsuccessful as calls to his phone line did not connect at the time of filing this report.
Edo State has, in recent months, been battling rising incidents of kidnapping and cult-related violence. Security agencies have intensified joint operations to curb the menace and ensure that those found guilty are prosecuted after investigation.
In March 2025, a mob in Uromi, Edo Central, killed seven travellers over suspicion of kidnapping after firearms were allegedly found in their vehicle. Despite such incidents, abductions have persisted, with recent reports of a retired headmaster, Mr. Eliaser Olorunloju, being kidnapped near a Fulani settlement in Akoko-Edo, where his captors reportedly demanded ₦70 million ransom.
Authorities have continued to urge residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives to help restore peace across the state.
