Edo Man Regains Freedom After 60 Days in Kidnappers’ Den

An Edo State man, Segirus Were, who was abducted alongside his pregnant wife, Zainab, has finally regained his freedom after spending about 60 harrowing days in the custody of kidnappers. His release has brought relief to his family and the wider public, while also reigniting intense debates over insecurity, ransom payments, and the role of activists in kidnap negotiations.

According to reports, Were was released on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. A video that has since gone viral on social media shows him surrounded by relatives and friends, visibly relieved and emotional after enduring weeks of captivity. Despite his apparent high spirits in the footage, his physical appearance and comments hinted at the severe hardship he faced while in the kidnappers’ den.

Drawing attention to his worn-out clothing, Were said, “This my dress is white jalabia, is white colour, but it has turned black,” a statement widely interpreted as a reflection of the harsh, dirty, and dehumanising conditions under which he was held. The remark resonated with many Nigerians, who expressed sympathy and outrage over the ordeal.

Segirus Were was reportedly kidnapped on November 22, 2025, at Aviele community near Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. His abduction, carried out alongside his pregnant wife, immediately sparked fear and concern, especially after the kidnappers released a disturbing video showing the couple pleading for help. In the footage, the captors demanded a ransom of ₦50 million for their release.

Subsequent reports indicated that Were’s family struggled to meet the demand and was only able to raise about ₦7 million. Following the payment of a reported ransom, Zainab, who was heavily pregnant at the time, was released, while Were remained in captivity. His continued detention after his wife’s release triggered widespread concern and raised questions about the dynamics of the negotiations with the kidnappers.

The case later took a controversial turn when allegations surfaced that activist Harrison Gwamnishu diverted ₦5.4 million from the ransom funds meant to secure Were’s freedom. The accusation caused a major public uproar, with many Nigerians taking sides on social media. Gwamnishu, however, has consistently denied the allegation, insisting that he did not divert any funds.

Reports suggested that the disagreement between the family and the activist complicated negotiations with the kidnappers and may have contributed to the prolonged captivity of Were. This development further fueled public anger, with many Nigerians questioning the transparency and accountability surrounding ransom payments and third-party involvement in kidnap cases.

Following news of Were’s release, social media platforms and online forums were flooded with reactions. Many commenters expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life, noting that surviving 60 days in a kidnappers’ den was no small feat. Others lamented the worsening state of insecurity in Edo State and Nigeria at large, calling on the government and security agencies to take decisive action.

Some reactions were more critical, accusing authorities of failing to prioritise the safety of citizens. Others questioned how kidnappers were able to sustain a victim in captivity for two months, suggesting the possibility of organised networks and insider collaboration. A number of commentators also called for the arrest and proper investigation of anyone found to have compromised the rescue efforts.

Security analysts and concerned citizens have urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to discreetly debrief victims released from captivity. According to them, systematically gathering information from survivors could help security agencies identify patterns, locations, and methods used by kidnappers, making it easier to dismantle such criminal networks.

As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command had not issued an official statement regarding Were’s release or the circumstances surrounding it. Nonetheless, his freedom has once again highlighted Nigeria’s persistent kidnapping crisis and the urgent need for a coordinated, transparent, and effective response to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of citizens.