One of the two kidnapped palm wine tappers in Delta State has been killed by bandits after his family offered N10,000 as ransom for his life instead of the millions the kidnappers had asked for.
The second one was lucky to be rescued by a combined team of police, soldiers, and local vigilantes.
The tragic incident happened in Emuhu community in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.
According to reports, the two palm wine tappers were trekking into the bush together for their work when they were attacked by the bandits.
The armed bandits reportedly abducted the men and contacted their families to send money before they could release them.
The incident sparked alarm and panic in the community, with community leaders organising security teams on a rescue mission.
During one of the negotiation sessions through a mobile phone, the family of one of the abducted men reportedly pleaded that they were poor and could only muster N10,000.
This reportedly infuriated the bandits, who instantly killed the captive palmwine tapper.
The account of what transpired was later given by the surviving palm wine tapper who was found by the rescue team.
A video of the incident circulating online shows the surviving victim lying weak on the ground after his rescue. He can hardly talk and can be heard pleading for water.
It was gathered that troops of the 63 Brigade, police, members of Emuhu Vigilante Group, Anti-Cult Abavo and Operation Soup located the palmwine tapper while combing the Urhonigbe forest in Edo State.
He was found dehydrated, weak and slightly disoriented.
After regaining some strength, he told the rescuers that kidnappers killed his colleague because of the paltry sum of N10,000 offered as ransom by his family.
He said the men called the amount an “insult” before shooting him.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the development, adding that the rescued victim is currently receiving medical attention.
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