GistNexus – April 29, 2025.
In a disturbing development, the Chairman of Labour Party (LP) Ward 1 in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr. Okasime Olowojoba, has been kidnapped. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, April 26, 2025, along the notorious Auchi-Benin-Ibillo Road, near Sasaro community, a spot historically plagued by frequent abductions.
According to family sources, Olowojoba, who is also a realtor, had traveled to Auchi to pick up his children following their holiday stay. He was returning to Igarra, the administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo, when he was attacked by armed gunmen. Eyewitnesses said the assailants initially abducted all occupants of the vehicle, including Olowojoba’s househelp and children. However, they later released the househelp and the children, taking only Olowojoba into the nearby bush.
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The gunmen abandoned his vehicle at the scene of the abduction. Communication challenges worsened the situation, as there was reportedly no network service throughout Saturday, preventing immediate calls for help. Service was only restored around noon on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Kidnappers Demand N50 Million Ransom
A close family member, who pleaded anonymity, revealed that the kidnappers have contacted the family, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for Olowojoba’s release. Speaking to GistNexus, the relative recounted the ordeal, stating:
“Valentine Okasime Olowojoba is the Ward 1 Chairman of the Labour Party in Akoko-Edo. He traveled to Auchi to bring his children and wife back for school resumption on Monday. On their way back on Saturday, he was kidnapped around Sasaro, and there was no network coverage in that area until about midday on Sunday.”
The source further explained that the kidnappers initially forced the entire group into the bush but later decided to free the children and househelp, leaving them stranded by the roadside. Olowojoba’s vehicle was later found abandoned.
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“The kidnappers made contact once the network was restored. As of Monday morning, they were demanding ₦50 million for his release. We are very worried about his safety,” the family member said.
Reports suggest that the area has been a long-standing hotspot for criminal activities, including kidnapping and armed robbery. Alarmingly, it was also gathered that several other individuals were abducted within the same vicinity on Sunday, further raising concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Sasaro: A Hotspot for Kidnappings
The Auchi-Benin-Ibillo Road, particularly the stretch near Sasaro village, has long been known as a dangerous zone for travelers. Residents and travelers have frequently lamented the lack of adequate security presence along the route, despite repeated incidents of violent crime.
Locals describe Sasaro as a “no-go area” once dusk approaches, citing numerous cases of robbery, assault, and kidnapping. According to community sources, the deplorable state of the road and thick surrounding bushes provide perfect cover for criminals operating with little fear of apprehension.
Security experts have repeatedly urged authorities to intensify patrols and surveillance in the area, stressing that the lack of a proactive response emboldens criminal elements. Saturday’s abduction of a prominent political figure like Olowojoba has once again brought these concerns to the forefront.
“The spot where he was kidnapped has been notorious for years. This is not the first time, and sadly, it may not be the last if nothing urgent is done,” a community leader, who chose not to be named, told GistNexus. “We keep reporting, but we feel abandoned.”
Police Yet to Confirm Incident
As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding Olowojoba’s abduction. Repeated attempts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, were unsuccessful, leaving the public with more questions than answers.
Security analysts say the apparent silence from law enforcement agencies exacerbates public fear and erodes trust in government’s ability to protect lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party leadership in Edo State is said to be in close contact with the victim’s family, offering support and calling for immediate government intervention to secure Olowojoba’s release.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political groups, human rights activists, and residents alike. Many are calling for urgent security reforms in Edo State and the deployment of specialized anti-kidnapping squads to volatile areas such as the Auchi-Benin-Ibillo corridor.
Family members and sympathizers continue to hope for a swift and safe release of Okasime Olowojoba, praying that efforts to secure his freedom will be successful without further harm.
As the community reels from the shock of yet another violent abduction, calls for stronger security measures in Edo’s rural highways grow louder.
GistNexus will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.
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Contributed by GistNexus Team and Edited by Mr. Chibueze Onwuka