The family of twin teenagers abducted during a violent attack in Edo State has rejected claims by the police that the victims were rescued by security operatives, insisting that their release came only after a ransom was paid.
The twins, Emmanuel and Emmanuella Ilabeshi, both aged 16, were kidnapped on December 11 during an invasion of their family home in Kalabar Quarters, Afokpella, Etsako East Local Government Area. The attack also resulted in the death of their father, Andrew Ilabeshi.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, the deceased’s brother, Okhale Ilabeshi, said the Edo State Police Command’s account of a successful rescue operation was inaccurate. According to him, the family negotiated directly with the abductors and paid the ransom demanded before the teenagers were released.
“The twins were not rescued,” he said. “We paid the ransom, and after that, we were directed to where the children were dropped.”
During the attack, armed men believed to be kidnappers allegedly disconnected the family’s generator, luring Andrew Ilabeshi outside. He was reportedly attacked with machetes and left critically injured while the assailants fled into the bush with his children. Ilabeshi later died from his injuries.
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Family sources revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million for the release of the twins. Although the exact amount eventually paid was not disclosed, the family confirmed that payment was made before the teenagers regained their freedom.
The Edo State Police Command had earlier announced that the victims were rescued unharmed by a joint security team. However, the family strongly disputed this narrative, stating that no security operation occurred at the point of release.
Okhale Ilabeshi said the twins were physically weak and emotionally traumatised after their captivity. He added that they were unaware of their father’s death until after their release.
“They knew he was injured, but they did not know he had died. When they heard the news, it broke them,” he said.
The family also expressed concern over worsening insecurity in the area, calling on the Edo State and Federal Governments to take urgent steps to curb rising cases of kidnapping and violent crime.
Residents of Afokpella say fear has gripped the community, despite efforts by local vigilante groups to enhance security.
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