Kidnapped Edo Girl, Aisha Wahab, Regains Freedom
By Sulaimon Popoola
Aisha Wahab, the young Edo girl who was seen in a viral video pleading with Nigerians to help raise ₦20 million demanded by her abductors, has regained her freedom.
Details surrounding her release remain sketchy at the time of filing this report, and it is not yet confirmed whether the ransom demanded by the kidnappers was paid.
In a short nine-second video made available to PurpleWorld, Aisha appeared relieved and smiling while holding a bottle of water, standing beside human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who confirmed her release.
Mr. Gwamnishu, who leads the Safe City Volunteer Foundation, said more details about her release would be shared later.
He explained that Aisha was kidnapped two weeks ago at Igbira Camp, Auchi, in Edo State, and was eventually released last night in Okpella, a neighboring community several kilometers away. According to him, Aisha was reportedly forced to trek the long distance alongside her abductors.
Gwamnishu, however, expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of support from the Edo State Government and security agencies, saying their failure to respond to repeated calls for collaboration prevented his team from capturing the kidnappers.
“We couldn’t move in to capture her abductors because the State Security Agencies and the Edo State Government repeatedly failed to respond to our calls for collaboration,” he said.
He added that the organization has now withdrawn its rescue team to another state where they enjoy full cooperation from the Police, Military, and Government authorities.
The activist thanked Nigerians who stood by Aisha’s family during the difficult period, noting that her case highlights the need for stronger cooperation between citizens, government, and volunteer groups in the fight against kidnapping and insecurity.
“Security requires partnership — between citizens, government, and volunteers like us. We remain ready to assist, but we cannot do it alone,” Gwamnishu emphasized.
He called on the government to take immediate action to tackle the rising wave of kidnappings across the country, urging for coordinated field operations, government support, and effective law enforcement.
“Enough talk — take action now. Lives are at stake,” he warned.
The Kidnappers had given Aisha Wahab a deadly deadline, to pay ₦20 million before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, or be killed.
In a disturbing video seen by PurpleWorld, Aisha is shown crying and begging the public to help raise the ransom as the gunmen points a gun at her head and chest.
She pleads for her life, saying her captors have threatened to kill her if the money is not paid before the deadline.
Aisha was kidnapped by gunmen at Igbira Camp in Auchi, Edo State.