BREAKING: Gunmen Abduct Two Palm-Wine Tappers in Delta, Kill One After Family Offers Only ₦10,000 Ransom
Story: Written by Zara November 28,2025
Gunmen have kidnapped two palm-wine tappers in the Emuhu community near Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, killing one of the victims after his family could only afford a ₦10,000 ransom.
The attackers struck early Thursday morning, ambushing the men as they trekked into the forest for their daily tapping routine. Both men were seized by the armed group, which has been terrorising remote communities in parts of Delta and neighbouring Edo State.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows the surviving victim lying exhausted on the ground shortly after being rescued, weak, dehydrated, and begging for water.
The abduction triggered immediate panic in the community, prompting local authorities and security outfits to launch a coordinated search mission. Personnel from the 63 Brigade, the Emuhu Vigilante Group, Anti-Cult Abavo, Operation Soup, and several police units combed through bushes from Emuhu to Abavo, Obi-Ayama, and deep into the Urhonigbe forest in Edo State.
Their search efforts paid off when one of the kidnapped men was discovered alive in Urhonigbe, traumatised and unable to stand without assistance.
When he was finally able to speak, he recounted the horrifying moment the kidnappers executed his colleague. According to him, the terrorists grew furious after the victim’s family—too impoverished to offer more—managed to gather only ₦10,000. They allegedly described the amount as an “insult” before killing him.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident on Friday, calling it yet another grim reminder of the escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s rural regions.
“This is the heartbreaking reality our people are living with,” a member of the rescue team said. “Families with nothing, communities living in fear, and criminals placing a price tag on human life.”
The rescued victim is currently receiving medical treatment, while joint security operatives continue trailing the attackers.
