AGBOR: One of the two palm wine tappers kidnapped in Emuhu community, near Agbor in Delta State, has been rescued after a coordinated search involving local youths, security operatives, and activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who mobilised support from the 63 Brigade Agbor, Anti-Cult Abavo Unit, Operation Sweep, and police teams.
According to community sources, the two tappers were abducted earlier in the week while returning from their daily tapping routine.
The kidnappers later contacted the families and demanded ransom, but negotiations reportedly collapsed, increasing fears for the victims’ safety.
Residents said the joint search team combed forest routes linking Emuhu, Abavo, Obianyima, and Orenigbe village in Edo State after receiving intelligence that the abducted men had been moved through those bush paths.
During the search, the team reportedly noticed suspicious movement along a footpath in Orenigbe. A brief confrontation ensued, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon one of the victims.
The rescued tapper was found weak, traumatized, and visibly assaulted, but alive. He was immediately taken to a nearby healthcare facility for treatment.
Sadly, the second tapper was not as fortunate. His body was later recovered. According to the rescued victim, the kidnappers killed his colleague after becoming angry when the family pleaded that they could only afford ₦10,000 as ransom. He said the killers became enraged and executed the victim on the spot.
Community leaders have condemned the attack, describing it as another troubling sign of rising insecurity across rural communities in Delta North especially around Agbor, Umunede, Issele-Uku, Ogwuashi -uku and surrounding areas. They called on security agencies to intensify patrols along forest corridors frequently exploited by criminal gangs.
The Delta State Police Command is expected to issue an official statement as investigations continue.
