Gonoh Michael, a farmer from Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, shares his terrifying 12-day experience at the mercy...
Gonoh Michael, a farmer from Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, shares his terrifying 12-day experience at the mercy of abductors. In an interview with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, he describes the terror, lack of food, and difficult circumstances he faced, the importance of faith in maintaining his strength, and raises concerns about the increasing trend of kidnappings in his area.
What was your life like prior to this event?
I am Gonoh Michael, in my late 30s, hailing from Okpella within the Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. I work as a furniture maker and also engage in farming.
Prior to this event, I would have characterized my life as straightforward and tranquil. I value diligence and maximizing every day. I am not fond of being idle. I take pleasure in being efficient, whether crafting furniture or looking after my farm. There is a special satisfaction in building something with your own hands. I can spend hours working with wood and then transition to the farm to inspect my crops. Farming offers me tranquility; seeing the results of your efforts as they grow brings a profound feeling of accomplishment.
My life was in harmony. I possessed very little, yet I was satisfied. I enjoyed peaceful sleep at night, without any worries. I was married and had the company of those I loved. That was my life before everything took a turn.
Bring us back to that day and explain how the event happened.
It was October 28, 2025, a day that started like any other. I woke up early and went to my farm, excited to take advantage of the cool morning time. I was kneeling down weeding, fully concentrated on my plants, when I felt someone behind me. I turned around and saw a man wearing black standing quietly.
Before I had a chance to respond, he moved forward and seized me. Initially, I fought back, but he spoke in Hausa, and almost instantly, eight other men came out of the bushes. They encircled me with weapons. It was then that I understood I was in serious peril. They bound my hands, led me deeper into the woods, and cautioned me not to scream.
I was the first one they took since I was by myself, but soon after, they captured additional farmers in the vicinity. By the end of the day, six of us were in their hands.
When did you understand that it was an abduction?
As I looked at the guns and the group of men encircling me, I realized it was a kidnapping. Everything occurred very quickly. I had only heard about such situations happening to other people; I never thought it would happen to me.
When they pulled me into the bushes and I understood we were heading away from the town, true fear set in.
For how long were you kept in confinement?
We spent 12 days in detention. Those days seemed like 12 years; each moment in the forest was an unbearable torment.
Could you explain the setting where you were brought?
We were taken deep into a forest that few people have ever encountered. Okpella is covered with extensive woodlands, and the abductors are familiar with them as if they were their own palms. I was taken from the eastern part of town, close to Ibie, but when we were set free, we came out from the western side, near Okene.
We moved through dense vegetation where sunlight struggled to reach the ground, crossed streams and areas covered with sharp, thorny plants. The location was quiet, as if in a different realm — no vehicles, no indications of life, just nature and anxiety.
What was the state of life like?
The circumstances were very difficult. For the first three days, we received no food and grew weak and lightheaded. When they finally gave us a small amount of garri, it seemed like a luxurious feast because we were extremely hungry. After that, the food was scarce and inconsistent.
We rested on the bare earth without mats or blankets, and water was limited. Mosquitoes were everywhere, nights were freezing, and our clothing was dirty and damaged. It was an extremely difficult experience.
Were the kidnappers aggressive or intimidating, and did they issue any requests?
Indeed, they were aggressive and intimidating. Their intention was to obtain money from our families. They physically assaulted us, made threats, and compelled us to contact relatives to plead for a ransom. They regarded us as items, not as people.
Was there anyone among the prisoners who demonstrated bravery or took charge?
We all came from Okpella, and each person demonstrated bravery in their own manner. We supported one another, prayed collectively, and maintained hope. When someone struggled, the others helped boost their morale. Our togetherness kept us going.
What kept you mentally resilient throughout those twelve days?
Belief. Only trust in the divine sustained me. There were nights when I sensed death was close, yet I prayed quietly, pleading with God to allow me to reunite with my loved ones. That tiny hope served as my stability.
What was the process behind your release?
We were set free once our families and community came together to pay the ransom, which consisted of N4.5 million, boxes of malt and milk, and brand-new backpacks.
We were guided halfway through the woods, after which we were instructed to head toward a particular river.
Navigating across the river was among the most challenging experiences; the water was freezing, the woods were quiet except for our footsteps, and we sensed someone observing us. Following a stressful journey, we eventually met three men on bicycles who escorted us the remaining distance. The captors had vanished, and we were now free.
What were your initial emotions when you understood that you had gained freedom?
A mix of relief and surprise. I felt weak and appeared as a mere shadow of who I once was: my clothes were torn, my body was dirty, and I had lost a lot of weight. Yet, deep down, I was thankful to be alive.
How are your fellow prisoners faring these days?
They are also getting medical treatment and regaining their health. Some are recovering more quickly than others, but we are all grateful to be alive.
How do you feel physically and emotionally at this moment?
I am gradually getting better, concentrating on recovery and restoring my energy. On an emotional level, I am adapting and reminding myself that what occurred is a part of life. Every day seems to improve.
Do you think you could benefit from mental health assistance?
Honestly, no. I have come to accept what occurred as a natural part of life. Although difficult memories resurface, I remind myself that I endured. Time and trust are the most effective remedies.
In what ways have your family, friends, and local area provided assistance to you?
Their assistance has been incredible. The presence and compassion of my family have accelerated my healing. It serves as a reminder that humanity is still alive, and that no one faces difficulties alone.
Has this experience altered your view on life?
Certainly. I have come to understand that family is the most important thing. Life is brief, and every day is a blessing. I no longer assume anything is guaranteed.
What message would you like to convey to the government and security forces regarding kidnappings in your area?
The state administration needs to act quickly to save Okpella. Safeguarding lives and assets is their obligation, as the law explicitly mentions. At this moment, this duty is not being met. Residents are too scared to visit their farmlands. The government cannot remain idle while conditions worsen.
They need to send additional troops to collaborate with local vigilantes. These young men are very familiar with the bush and can lead soldiers to the kidnappers' hiding places. The criminals function in several groups throughout the forest, and with sufficient force and careful planning, they can be eliminated. Drones could also be employed to keep an eye on the region. Action should not wait until lives are lost.
If a government does not safeguard its people, it has failed in all other aspects. Okpella is the third-largest town in Edo State. We should not be left vulnerable to criminals. Officials need to take action immediately, before the circumstances become even more unmanageable.
What are your aspirations and goals for the future?
I deeply wish for peace to come back to Okpella. The circumstances are severe. A lot of individuals are suffering from hunger and fear. Agricultural lands are left unused, and food shortages are increasing.
Each night, individuals rest with one eye slightly open. I wish for life to revert to its previous state, where people could visit their farms and come back home without fear. I also hope that accountable organizations, the media, religious institutions, and community groups will keep voicing their concerns until the government implements appropriate measures.
While I am speaking, abductions are still taking place. Only yesterday, an attempt to kidnap someone did not succeed as individuals recognized the danger and managed to flee. However, this morning, another woman was taken. It deeply saddens me.
All we desire is peace, security, and an opportunity to return to ordinary life. This is my prayer: that Okpella will experience peace again.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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