We Paid N4.5m for Malt Drinks to Free Abducted Edo Farmer

A Farmer’s 12-Day Ordeal: Surviving Kidnapping in Etsako East

Gonoh Michael, a farmer from Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, recounts his harrowing 12-day ordeal in the hands of kidnappers. His story is one of fear, survival, and resilience. He details the conditions he endured, the role of faith in keeping him strong, and his warnings about the rising wave of kidnappings in his community.

Before the Incident: A Life of Simplicity and Productivity

Before this incident, Gonoh describes his life as simple and peaceful. He is in his late 30s and works as both a furniture maker and a farmer. He enjoys being productive, whether shaping wood or tending to his crops. Farming brings him peace, and watching what he plants grow gives him a deep sense of fulfillment. His life was balanced, filled with little but contentment. He slept peacefully at night, free from fear, surrounded by loved ones.

The Day It All Changed

The incident began on October 28, 2025, when Gonoh was working on his farm. He was weeding when he sensed someone behind him. A man in black approached and grabbed him. Before he could react, more men emerged from the bush, surrounding him with guns. They tied his hands and took him deeper into the forest, warning him not to shout. He was the first person they captured, but later, other farmers nearby were also taken. By the end of the day, six of them were in captivity.

Realizing the Gravity of the Situation

When Gonoh saw the guns and the number of men surrounding him, he knew it was a kidnapping. Everything happened so fast. He had only heard of such incidents happening to others; he never imagined it would happen to him. As they moved away from the town, fear truly took hold.

The 12 Days in Captivity

They were held for 12 days, which felt like 12 years. The environment was terrible—deep in a forest where sunlight barely penetrated. They crossed streams and thorny undergrowth, moving through thick bush. The place was silent, like another world, with no signs of life except nature and fear.

Living Conditions and Treatment

The living conditions were harsh. For the first three days, they were given no food and became weak and dizzy. When they eventually received a small quantity of garri, it felt like a royal meal. Food was sparse and irregular, and they slept on bare ground without mats or blankets. Water was scarce, and mosquitoes were everywhere. Nights were cold, and their clothes were dirty and torn.

The Captors’ Demands and Violence

The captors were violent and threatening. Their goal was to extract money from their families. They beat them, threatened them, and forced them to call relatives to beg for ransom. They treated them like objects, not human beings.

Strength Through Unity and Faith

Despite the hardship, Gonoh and the other captives showed courage. They encouraged each other, prayed together, and stayed hopeful. When one person faltered, the others lifted their spirits. Their unity kept them alive. For Gonoh, faith in God was the anchor that kept him going. There were nights he felt death was near, but he prayed silently, asking God to let him see his family again.

The Release and Aftermath

Their release came after their families and community gathered the ransom, which included N4.5 million, crates of malt and milk, and new backpacks. They were led partway through the forest, then told to walk to a specific river. Crossing that river was one of the hardest moments. After a tense walk, they reached three men on bikes who took them the rest of the way. The abductors had disappeared, and they were free.

Emotions Upon Freedom

Relief mixed with disbelief. Gonoh felt weak and looked like a shadow of himself, but deep inside, he was grateful to be alive. His fellow captives are also receiving medical care and recovering, though at different paces. He is slowly recovering physically and emotionally, focusing on healing and rebuilding his strength.

Looking Forward

Gonoh feels that time and faith are the best healers. He does not feel the need for psychological support, as he accepts what happened as part of life. His family, friends, and community have provided overwhelming support, reminding him that humanity still exists.

A New Perspective on Life

This experience has changed his perspective. He now values family above all else. Life is short, and each day is a gift. He no longer takes anything for granted.

Calls for Government Action

Gonoh urges the government and security agencies to act urgently. He believes the state government must intervene to rescue Okpella and protect lives and property. He suggests deploying more troops alongside local vigilantes, using drones for monitoring, and taking decisive action before the situation spirals out of control.

Hopes for the Future

His greatest hope is for peace to return to Okpella. Many people are hungry and afraid, and farms are abandoned. Every night, people sleep with one eye open. He hopes that responsible institutions, the media, churches, and civil society groups will continue to speak up until the government takes the right actions.