Palm wine tapper killed, other rescued after ₦10,000 ransom

A community search-and-rescue operation in Delta and Edo states uncovered the tragic fate of two palm wine tappers abducted in Emuhu near Agbor, leaving residents shocked and grief-stricken.

The two men, known for their daily treks into the bush to tap palm wine, were seized by armed kidnappers yesterday.

The abduction prompted an immediate response from community leaders and security forces.

Soldiers from the 63 Brigade, Emuhu Vigilante Group, Anti-Cult Abavo, Operation Soup, and local police combed the area from Emuhu to Abavo, Obi-Ayama, and the dense Urhonigbe bush in Edo State.

Their efforts paid off when one of the men was found alive but exhausted and traumatized in Urhonigbe.

He revealed that his colleague was killed after his family, overwhelmed by fear and poverty, could only offer the kidnappers ₦10,000.

The gunmen reportedly executed the victim in anger over the low ransom.

The surviving victim is receiving care, while joint security forces continue efforts to apprehend the kidnappers.

Community members expressed deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting the vulnerability of rural families and the increasing threat of kidnappings.