Pascal Amumiasunya, a 500-level medical student of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, who was abducted by gunmen, has been rescued by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC.
News agents reports that the Deputy Commandant, Operations, of the Corps, Richard Balogun, disclosed this to newsmen in Benin City on Friday, January 30, 2026. He said the victim was rescued in a forest around Anegbete in Etsako Central Local Government Area.
Balogun said the victim was kidnapped on Thursday, January 22, 2026, while passing through the Ugboha–Anegbete Road from Ekpoma.
He stated that the student was rescued unhurt without the payment of ransom, as the kidnappers took to their heels upon sighting operatives of the Corps.
The Edo State Security Corps’ Deputy Corps Commander said the kidnappers abandoned their phones during the rescue operation and fled.
He added that the phones have been handed over to the police.
Also speaking, a local resident said the victim was abducted at about 4:30 p.m. and forced into the forest.
The local added that the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₦18 million.
He said that on January 25, 2026, men of the Edo State Security Corps mobilised local hunters into the forest in search of the victim.
He explained that an ambush was later laid for the kidnappers as they arrived to collect the ransom.
The source stated that the victim’s family took the agreed ransom to a location in the bush where the kidnappers were to receive it before effecting his release.
Narrating his ordeal, the victim said he encountered the kidnappers on his way to his community and was whisked into the bush.
According to him, “When we got to their camp, they asked me to call my brother and say that I had been kidnapped. They then demanded ₦18 million.”
He said he was, however, rescued by operatives of the Corps.
News Agents also gathered that the victim’s family had earlier opened an account seeking financial assistance from members of the public for the payment of the ransom.
The appeal letter was titled, “Please Help Save Pascal Alumiasunya.”
The letter read in part: “With tears in our eyes, we, the family of Alumiasunya Pascal, are appealing to the general public for urgent financial support. Our son, Pascal Alumiasunya, a 500-level medical student of Ambrose Alli University, was kidnapped yesterday at about 5:00 p.m. around the Ugboha axis, Uromi, while on his way to the village.
“The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦18 million, which is far beyond what our family can raise alone.
“We humbly beg well-meaning Nigerians, friends, colleagues, and organisations to please support us financially. Nothing is too small.
“Your kindness and support could help bring our son back home safely. Please help us save our son and colleague,” the letter added.
