MUST WATCH: Exiting Moment Abducted Edo Brothers Escape After Kidnappers Slept Off [VIDEO]
Two brothers who were kidnapped in Edo State have escaped from their abductors.
The brothers identified as Isaac and Victor Olayere, were abducted along the Adughe-Imoga Road on November 8, 2025 and taken into the bush.
The kidnappers later contacted their family and demanded N22m ransom.
While the community was still at a loss over how to raise the ransom, the brothers called their father with an unknown number, telling him they had escaped from the kidnappers’ den.
The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, confirmed the development to Punch on Monday, November 10.
He called on the authorities to come to the rescue of Imoga, a town he said shares a border with Ondo and Kogi, thereby making it prone to kidnapping activities.
“The two brothers were kidnapped on November 8 along the Adughe-Imoga Road and were taken into the bush. Later, the kidnappers reached out to the family and demanded a ransom of N22m, throwing the ancient community of Uma/Imoga in Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, into confusion,” Obajoye explained.
“I swiftly reported the incident to the Ibillo Police Station with the hope that the rescue effort would lead to the release of the brothers.”
“It was said that somehow, the kidnappers suddenly went into a deep slumber in the forest, enabling their victims to escape. They were found by the vigilante of Adughe, a neighbouring community in Kogi that speaks the same Okpameri language as Uma/Imoga in Akoko Edo.
“The vigilantes called Imoga people, and the youth mobilised and entered the forest, but they could not see the kidnappers who had woken up after their captives had escaped and fled.”
The Oba noted that the activities of kidnappers and armed herders had become a major problem in the community, urging the authorities to create a police post in the area.
“We need police presence in Imoga. If a police post is created here, the officers will patrol the community, which will give the residents rest of mind.
“Imoga is the largest village in Akoko Edo, particularly in terms of land mass, into which many herders have entered en masse. It is the link between Edo State and the northern part of the country,” he added.
Former Chelsea FC captain César Azpilicueta has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
The Spanish defender confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades.
He shared this news via his social media handles.
Azpilicueta enjoyed his most successful years at Chelsea after joining the club from Marseille in 2012. During his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, he made more than 500 appearances and became the first player in the club’s history to win every major trophy available.
As Chelsea captain, Azpilicueta famously lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, adding to Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs during his time in London.
Following his departure from Chelsea in 2023, the veteran defender spent two seasons with Atlético Madrid before joining Sevilla FC for the final chapter of his career.
Azpilicueta also represented Spain at international level, earning 44 senior caps and featuring in multiple FIFA World Cups and European Championships.
In an emotional farewell message, the defender admitted it was difficult to make the decision but thanked supporters, teammates, coaches and clubs who shaped his journey in football.
Tributes have since poured in from fans and former teammates, with many describing Azpilicueta as one of Chelsea’s greatest modern-day captains and one of the most respected defenders of his generation.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made several major selection decisions after leaving Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the Three Lions’ final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The omissions have quickly sparked debate among fans and pundits, with both players considered among England’s biggest talents in recent years.
According to reports, Tuchel opted for balance, tactical flexibility, and current form when finalising his 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Palmer’s exclusion comes despite the Chelsea star’s strong performances over the last two seasons, while Alexander-Arnold reportedly missed out due to tactical preferences and competition in defensive areas.
The squad announcement also saw several surprise inclusions, including Ivan Toney and Djed Spence, while experienced names such as Jordan Henderson earned recalls.
Other notable absentees include Harry Maguire and Phil Foden as Tuchel reshapes the squad ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.
England will head into the tournament hoping to end decades of hurt and finally lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966.