One Killed, One Rescued After Palm Wine Tappers’ Abduction in Delta

A search operation in Delta and Edo states has led to the rescue of one of two palm wine tappers kidnapped on their farmland in Emuhu, Ika South, while the second victim was killed after his family failed to meet the kidnappers’ ransom demand. The attackers reportedly rejected the ₦10,000 the family managed to raise, resulting in the fatal outcome.

The rescue mission was launched on Thursday and coordinated by human rights advocate Harrison Gwamnishu, who partnered with security agencies to track the abductors’ movements across several communities. Personnel from the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade, the Emuhu Vigilante Group, Anti-Cult Unit Abavo, Operation Soup, and multiple police units took part in the operation.

The joint team traced the kidnappers’ trail from Emuhu to Abavo, Obi-Ayama, and finally Urhonigbe in Edo State, where the surviving tapper was found. The victim, still in shock, confirmed that his colleague was murdered during ransom negotiations.

Security operatives are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend the attackers, while residents of Emuhu and neighbouring communities are urging authorities to strengthen rural policing and secure farmlands to halt the rising threat of kidnappings.