The abductors of eight residents of Imoga community in Edo North have reportedly cut their ransom demand from an initial N100m to N40m, five days after the victims were seized.
The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Abudu, disclosed the development on Tuesday, saying negotiations between the community and the gunmen remain ongoing.
He explained that the kidnappers first brought the demand down to N70m on Monday before further reducing it to N40m after continued appeals.
“We are still in talks with them, and the amount is now N40 million,” the monarch said. “We are hopeful they will come further down to N20 million.”
Oba Abudu noted that residents and stakeholders stand ready to contribute towards the ransom once a final figure is agreed.
The traditional ruler added that the incident has disrupted activities within the community, including his own schedule.
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“Our people are anxious. It has been five days since the abduction, and their safety remains our biggest concern,” he said.
