According to a report by Punch Newspaper on Saturday, November 15, 2025, Gonoh Michael, a farmer from Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, recounts his 12-day ordeal in the hands of kidnappers, describing fear, hunger, harsh conditions, reliance on faith for survival, and a warning on the increasing cases of kidnappings in his community.
He explained that he was going about his normal routine when he encountered a group of armed men.
According to him, the situation changed within a very short moment, leaving him confused and unable to understand what was happening until he was surrounded, he said the men were heavily armed and gave no room for escape.
He realised he had been kidnapped after being forcefully taken away from the area and moved deep into the bush.
He said he lost every hope of immediate rescue when he noticed that they were far away from the community and there was no sign of help from any direction, fear became stronger as the journey continued.
During the 12 days, he experienced hunger, lack of water, sleepless nights, and harsh weather.
He also said that he faced difficult conditions that affected his body and mind, he stated that he kept thinking of whether he would survive and return home safely, especially when the days began to feel longer.
He explained that his faith became his major strength throughout the period, he said he kept praying and silently asking for protection, believing that only faith would sustain him.
He mentioned that the thought of his family also encouraged him not to lose hope while waiting for any form of rescue or chance of release.
Michael stated that he never expected to face such an experience, noting that he only used to hear similar incidents from others.
He said the event changed his view of security in the area and made him understand how quickly danger can occur without warning.
He described the experience as something that affected him emotionally and mentally.
He advised residents of Okpella and nearby communities to be more careful and attentive while moving around.
He urged security agencies and community leaders to increase measures against kidnapping, stating that the situation has been rising and many residents now live in fear.
He said: “When I saw the guns and the number of men surrounding me, I knew it was a kidnapping. “Everything happened so fast. I had only heard of such incidents happening to others; I never imagined it would happen to me.”
“When they dragged me into the bush and I realised we were moving away from the town, fear truly took hold.
