The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), in collaboration with local hunters, have rescued a kidnapped student of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, simply identified as Pascal.

He was said to have been rescued unhurt on January 25, by the operatives of the corps during the payment of ransom at a forest.

The 500-level student was reportedly kidnapped on January 22nd January, 2026, along the Ugboha-Anegbete road in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was on his way to his village to attend to family issues when he ran into his captors.

The kidnappers reportedly made contact with the victim’s family and demanded N15 million ransom to secure his release.

It was learnt that the victim’s family took the agreed ransom to a location in the forest where the kidnappers would receive the money before effecting his release.

A source said that while the ransom was being paid, the kidnappers spotted a vigilante lying in ambush and fled, leading to his rescue.

The victim, in an interview, said he encountered the kidnappers on the road and was forced into the bush.

“When we got to their camp, they asked me to call my brother, saying that I have been kidnapped. They then demanded for N15 million.”

He added that he was, however, rescued by the corps.

The Deputy Corps Commander, Richard Balogun, who confirmed the incident, said during the rescue operation, the kidnappers abandoned their phones and fled.

He said the phones had been handed over to the Police. (Weekend Trust, but headline rejigged)