BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN ROSE
Kidnapped Edo woman, Aisha Wahab, has been released. This was confirmed on Saturday by an activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, who expressed both relief and frustration over what he described as the government’s failure to collaborate in the rescue mission.
Aisha, who was kidnapped two weeks ago at Igbira Camp in Auchi, Edo State, has regained her freedom — but not without controversy surrounding the alleged refusal of Edo State authorities and the Nigerian police to support external rescue efforts.
“Thankfully, she regained her freedom last night. Sadly, we couldn’t move in to capture her abductors because the State security agencies and the Edo State government have repeatedly failed to respond to our calls for collaboration.”
According to him, Aisha was kidnapped at Igbira Camp in Auchi and released in Okpella, Edo State — two distant communities in Etsako West Local Government Area.
He revealed that the victim was forced to trek a long distance with her abductors before her eventual release.
Gwamnishu said that certain technical equipment required for their rescue operations could not be deployed without official authorisation.
“Certain technical equipment required for our rescue operations can only be deployed with official authorisation. Unfortunately, despite repeated efforts to reach the Edo State Government and the Commissioner of Police, we have been unable to get their response” he added.
He lamented that the group had to withdraw and return to a state where they enjoy full support from the police, military and government.
“To everyone who stood by Aisha’s family during this difficult time, thank you sincerely. This is another reminder that security requires partnership — between citizens, Government, and volunteers like us. We remain ready to assist, but we cannot do it alone.”
However, he called on the Edo State government to take urgent action and strengthen collaboration with volunteer groups and law enforcement to combat the rising cases of kidnapping in the state.
It was previously reported that the mother of Aisha made a tearful plea to popular logistics manager Isreal DMW and well-meaning Nigerians and other compassionate Nigerians to help rescue her daughter from captivity.
The distraught mother revealed that the kidnappers were demanding ₦20 million for Aisha’s release and have issued a deadline while threatening to kill her if the ransom is not paid.
Since then, her family had been thrown into panic and despair, unable to raise the huge amount requested by the abductors.
In a viral video obtained by SaharaReporters, Aisha’s mother, visibly distressed and overwhelmed with emotion, as she spoke from a dilapidated building.
Her living conditions painted a heartbreaking picture of poverty and helplessness. She said that she had been unable to eat or sleep since her daughter’s abduction, fearing for her safety.
“As you see me so, I cannot eat; I’m only thinking because of Aisha,” she said emotionally.
“They carried my daughter into the bush since last week Saturday. They were demanding ₦30 million, but as we kept begging them, they reduced it to ₦20 million. I beg Isreal DMW, help us. I don’t have anything. See where I am living; I am a poor woman with no money. I’m begging you, Isreal, please help me. I sell leaves with Aisha in the market to survive. I’m also calling on Nigerians to please come to my aid.”
The woman further explained that her daughter, Aisha, was her only source of support. Together, they sold vegetables and leaves in the local market to earn a meagre income. Now, with Aisha gone, she has been left alone and devastated.
Aisha’s sister also joined in the plea, calling on Nigerians, especially influential figures and charitable organisations, to intervene.
She said the family had no access to wealthy relatives or connections and were relying solely on public support in raising the ransom.
