Kidnapped Edo Pastor Recounts Harrowing Ordeal as Abductors Demanded N50m Ransom

An Edo-based cleric, Pastor Caleb Adavize Philip, has shared a chilling account of his experience after regaining freedom from kidnappers who held him, his wife, and his sister captive for several days.

The Pastor disclosed the traumatic details of their ordeal in a Facebook post on Thursday, June 11, 2026, while also sharing photographs showing the three of them receiving medical treatment following their release.

According to Pastor Philip, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N50 million from their family and associates before negotiations eventually led to their freedom.

Recounting the painful experience, the cleric described days of intense fear, psychological torture, exhaustion, and uncertainty about whether they would survive the ordeal. He said they were forced to endure harsh weather conditions, including prolonged exposure to both rain and scorching sunlight, while trekking long distances under the watch of armed captors.

The victims also suffered numerous insect bites and constant threats to their lives, a situation that left them physically weakened and emotionally traumatized.

“I can’t forget this in a hurry, how we were kidnapped, myself, wife and sis for days and they were demanding for 50 million Naira,” Pastor Philip wrote.

He further described kidnapping as one of the worst experiences anyone could endure, saying the psychological impact remains difficult to overcome even after regaining freedom.

“The worst prayer you could pray for your enemies is for them to be kidnapped, yes, that’s the highest,” he stated.

“The psychological trauma, the fear, the torture, rain, sun, insect bites, the trekking, the threat to life with ammunition, the huge amount being paid and many more. Lord save our Nation. Thank you Jesus for our life.”

The Pastor’s testimony adds to growing concerns over the persistent wave of kidnappings across Nigeria, where criminal gangs continue to target individuals for ransom despite ongoing security operations by law enforcement agencies.

The incident has also renewed calls for stronger security measures and intensified efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes that have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods in various parts of the Country.

Pastor Philip, his wife, and his sister are currently receiving medical attention and recovering from the physical and emotional effects of their captivity.

Residents and well-wishers have since expressed gratitude over their safe return while urging authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.