Edo man regains freedom after 60 days in kidnappers’ den

By Jethro Ibileke

An Edo State man, Segirus Were, who was abducted alongside his pregnant wife, Zainab, has regained his freedom after spending about 60 days in the custody of kidnappers.

Were was released by his captors on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. A video circulating on social media shows him surrounded by individuals believed to be his relatives and friends, appearing relieved and in high spirits despite his ordeal.

In the footage, Were pointed to his outfit and remarked: “This my dress is white jalabia, is white colour, but it has turned black,” an apparent reference to the harsh conditions he endured while in captivity.

The victim was reportedly kidnapped on November 22, 2025, at Aviele community near Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers released a video showing Were and his pregnant wife appealing for help and demanded a ransom of ₦50 million for their release. Reports later indicated that the family was only able to raise about ₦7 million at the time.

Zainab was subsequently released after a ransom was reportedly paid, while Were remained in captivity, fuelling public concern and debate over his continued detention.

During the period, allegations emerged accusing activist Harrison Gwamnishu of diverting ₦5.4 million from the ransom funds. Gwamnishu has consistently denied the allegation.

The case attracted widespread public attention, largely due to a disagreement between the family and the activist over the alleged diversion of ransom money, a dispute that was said to have complicated efforts to secure Were’s release.

As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the development.