Newly Called-To-Bar Edo Lawyer, Sister Freed After Kidnapping Ordeal

Newly called-to-bar lawyer Peace Onyesom Udoka and her sister Gift Onyesom, who were abducted along the Okene-Auchi highway on Friday, have been safely rescued and returned home. The sisters were on their way back to Benin, Edo State, after attending Peace’s Nigerian Law School call-to-bar ceremony held on September 23 in Abuja.

The kidnapping occurred around Lokoja, Kogi State, a stretch notorious for frequent abductions. According to family sources and activists, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N40 million, later reducing the amount to N20 million per person, though the family could only raise N7 million, which was rejected by the abductors.

Peace Onyesom’s brother, Godspower Onyesom, confirmed their release to news correspondents on Tuesday. In a video sent to media houses, Peace expressed gratitude to all who intervened, stating that the military in Okpella, Edo State, successfully rescued them.

Activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who had been vocal in calling security agencies and Edo State authorities to intervene, confirmed the sisters were freed near a village in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area. Remarkably, Peace was released on her birthday, bringing a bittersweet note to the rescue.

The Nigerian Police and military have intensified efforts along the Okene-Auchi road and other major highways due to a spike in kidnappings. Police statements revealed that eight out of twelve passengers abducted on the same route were rescued recently, showing ongoing security operations in the area.

The Nigerian Bar Association and civil society groups had also been actively involved in appealing for the safe release of the kidnapped lawyer and others.

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This incident highlights the persistent security challenges on Nigeria’s highways but also underscores the impact of coordinated efforts by families, activists, and security forces in combating kidnapping incidents. Authorities continue to urge travelers to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to enhance safety on these routes.

Similar kidnapping cases along the Abuja-Benin expressway and other parts of Kogi State have been reported in recent months, often involving ransom demands and military interventions for victim rescue, indicating a security concern that remains critical for regional stability.