A brother of the deceased, Okhale Ilabeshi, told journalists on Tuesday that the twins, Emmanuel and Emmanuella, regained their freedom after the family met the kidnappers’ ransom demand.

By Titilope Adako

The family of twin teenagers abducted during an attack in Edo State that led to their father’s death has dismissed claims by the Edo State Police Command that the victims were rescued by security operatives, insisting they were released only after a ransom was paid.

A brother of the deceased, Okhale Ilabeshi, told journalists on Tuesday that the twins, Emmanuel and Emmanuella, regained their freedom after the family met the kidnappers’ ransom demand.

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers had attacked the home of Andrew Ilabeshi on December 11 at Kalabar Quarters, Afokpella, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

During the invasion, the assailants allegedly forced their way into the residence and inflicted machete wounds on Ilabeshi before abducting his 16-year-old twin children.

A resident of the community said the attackers disconnected the victim’s generator, which lured him outside when he went to check the sudden power outage.

He was reportedly attacked and left critically injured, while the gunmen escaped into the bush with the twins.

Ilabeshi later died from the injuries he sustained during the attack.

Family sources said the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the teenagers.

Earlier, the Edo State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, had claimed that the twins were rescued unhurt by a joint team of security operatives.

However, Okhale Ilabeshi rejected the police account, saying no rescue operation took place.

“The twins were not rescued.
We paid the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
After payment, we were directed to a location where the children were eventually released,” he said.

He said the teenagers were physically weak and emotionally traumatised after their ordeal.

He added that they only learned about their father’s death after regaining their freedom.

“They knew their father had been badly injured, but they did not know he had died.
The news devastated them,” he said.

Ilabeshi also raised concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.

He said although the community had strengthened its local vigilante system, more support was urgently needed.

“We need urgent intervention from the state and federal governments to address the rising cases of kidnapping,” he added.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep