Activist Harrison Gwamnishu accuses Edo authorities of negligence after ?20 million ransom was paid to free abducted Aisha Wahab.

Aisha Wahab, a 22-year-old from Auchi, Edo State, who was abducted two weeks ago has now regained her freedom. Reports circulating on social media – and corroborated by a principal actor – claim that a ?20 million ransom was paid to secure her release.

Speaking on Saturday via an Instagram post, human rights activist and founder of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, Harrison Gwamnishu, said security agencies and the Edo State Government failed to respond to calls for collaboration during efforts to rescue the victim.

According to him, Aisha was abducted at Igbira Camp, Auchi, and released in Okpella, both in Edo State — a long distance the victim allegedly trekked with her abductors. He expressed frustration that his team could not move in to arrest the kidnappers due to a lack of government cooperation.

“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,” Gwamnishu wrote.

Replying to an enquiry from this reporter, Mr Gwamnishu confirmed that he added ?5 million to the ?15 million reportedly raised to secure Aisha’s release.

The activist explained that certain technical equipment required for the rescue operation could only be deployed with official authorisation, which was not granted despite repeated attempts to reach the authorities.

He said the Foundation has now withdrawn to its operational base in another state where they reportedly have full support from the Police, Military, and Government.

“There are several proven avenues to capture these kidnappers,” Gwamnishu added. “We demand immediate Government intervention, coordinated field operations, and full support for law enforcement. Lives are at stake.”

Gwamnishu thanked Nigerians who stood by Aisha’s family during the ordeal and called for stronger partnerships between citizens, volunteers, and government agencies to combat insecurity across the country.

Kidnapping remains a serious security challenge in Edo State and across Nigeria, with citizens repeatedly calling for better coordination between security agencies and volunteer groups to protect vulnerable communities. (ARISE NEWS)