A young woman has been rescued by local hunters after she was found tied to a tree in a forest near Akpobi Junction in Sapele Local Government Area. The victim, identified as Anthonia, alleged she was lured to the area through an online meeting that turned violent.
The incident reportedly occurred at night when hunters on routine patrol discovered her restrained deep inside the bush. Initially unsure of what they had seen, they approached with torchlights and found the woman weak and unable to free herself.
Anthonia told her rescuers she had travelled from Ughelli after communicating with a man she met online. She said the suspect invited her to Sapele and arrived with another male companion. During the trip, she became uneasy as they moved further away from populated areas.
She alleged that the second man suddenly restrained her while they forced her into the forest. Her phone was taken, and she was compelled to disclose her banking details, after which ₦100,000 was reportedly transferred from her account.
According to her account, the suspects indicated they were expecting another target at the same junction before leaving her tied to a tree. She was later found between 9 pm and 10 pm by the hunters.
Residents in the area expressed concern over the growing risks linked to online meetups. A local resident said the incident has heightened fears about criminal activities in isolated areas around the community.
Community members noted that such cases highlight increasing safety concerns tied to informal arrangements made through social media platforms. Some residents urged young people to exercise caution when meeting unfamiliar individuals.
A student of Delta State University, Abraka, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said criminals increasingly target victims through online contacts. He alleged that some perpetrators exploit personal devices and financial apps once trust is gained.
Security observers say the case reflects broader concerns about technology-enabled crimes and personal safety. Authorities have not released an official statement on arrests linked to the incident as of press time.
