Two kidnapped palm wine tappers have suffered a tragic attack, with one man killed after his family could only offer N10,000 ransom, an amount the criminals rejected.

The frightening incident happened in Emuhu community near Agbor, in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The victims were known for trekking into the bush early each morning to tap palm wine.

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Reports say the armed men ambushed the pair and took them into the forest. This sparked immediate alarm, forcing community leaders and security teams to begin a joint rescue mission.
A video seen by reporters shows the surviving victim lying weak on the ground after his rescue, pleading for water and barely able to talk.

Troops of the 63 Brigade joined members of Emuhu Vigilante Group, Anti-Cult Abavo, Operation Soup, and several Police units in a coordinated operation across Emuhu, Abavo, Obi-Ayama, and deep into the Urhonigbe forest in Edo State.

Their joint effort succeeded in Urhonigbe, where one kidnapped man was found alive, dehydrated, and unable to walk without help.

When he gained some strength, he narrated how the kidnappers killed his colleague after the family offered the only sum they could gather, which was N10,000. The gunmen reportedly called the amount an “insult” before shooting him.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the development on Friday, noting that it highlights the harsh reality rural Nigerians face each day.

A member of the rescue team added that families too poor to pay ransom now live in fear as criminals continue to treat human lives as trade items.

The rescued victim is receiving medical attention, while security forces continue searching for the attackers.