Wahab Aisha, abducted two weeks ago at Igbira Camp in Auchi, Edo State, has regained her freedom but her rescue has sparked outrage over alleged government and police inaction.
Activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who confirmed her release, thanked supporters but criticised the Edo State government and police for ignoring repeated calls for cooperation. “We couldn’t move in to capture the kidnappers because security agencies refused to collaborate,” he said.
Aisha was reportedly released in Okpella after trekking a long distance with her abductors. Gwamnishu added that key rescue equipment couldn’t be deployed without official approval, which was never granted.
Frustrated, his team has now withdrawn to another state where they receive full security support. “Security requires partnership between citizens, government, and volunteers. We can’t do it alone,” he stressed.
The activist urged the Edo government to take urgent action against rising kidnappings.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, Nigerians reportedly paid ₦2.56 billion in ransom, with 4,722 kidnappings and 762 deaths linked to abduction-related violence, according to Nairametrics.
