Police rescue 11 kidnap victims in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has rescued 11 kidnapped victims in Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, in Edo North.

The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the victims were abducted while working on their farms.

She said a distress call prompted operatives from the Iyahmo Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, to launch a rescue operation alongside local vigilantes and hunters.

According to the statement, the rescue team encountered the kidnappers in the surrounding forest, leading to a gun battle.

“During the operation, the rescue team encountered the kidnappers, leading to a fierce gun duel. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical response of the operatives, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled into the forest. Consequently, 9 males and two females were rescued unhurt

“They are Braimah Destiny ‘M’ (46 years), Aruna Idris ‘M’ (38 years), Abudu Sharafadeem ‘M’ (38 years) Godwin Elizabeth ‘F’ (28 years), James Favour ‘F’ (28 years) and Nonso Ana ‘M’ (30 years).

“Others are Abdulilia Ozigi ‘M’ (26 years), Lambo James ‘M’ (27 years), Wasia Abdul ‘M’ (48 years), Lucky Emmanuel ‘M’ (24 years), and Suleman Aliyu ‘M’ (25 years),” statement partly read.

Ikoedem said the victims were taken to the hospital for medical examination and have since been reunited with their families, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the gallantry of the police operatives, local vigilantes and hunters whose prompt response led to the successful rescue.

He assured residents that the command had intensified operations across the area and remained committed to ensuring their safety, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid the fight against crime.