By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Edo State Police Command rescued 11 kidnapped victims on Saturday after a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, Edo North. The victims were abducted while working on their farms. Police operatives, supported by local vigilantes and hunters, launched the rescue operation after receiving a distress call. The kidnappers fled into the forest after they could not withstand the security team’s superior firepower.
Rescue Operation Followed Distress Call
The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said operatives from the Iyahmo Division responded immediately after receiving information about the abduction.
The Divisional Police Officer led the operation alongside local vigilantes and hunters. They tracked the kidnappers into the surrounding forest, where both sides exchanged gunfire.
However, the suspects abandoned the victims and escaped deeper into the forest.
Eleven Victims Rescued Unhurt
The operation led to the successful rescue of nine men and two women without injuries.
The rescued victims are Braimah Destiny, 46; Aruna Idris, 38; Abudu Sharafadeem, 38; Godwin Elizabeth, 28; James Favour, 28; Nonso Ana, 30; Abdulilia Ozigi, 26; Lambo James, 27; Wasia Abdul, 48; Lucky Emmanuel, 24; and Suleman Aliyu, 25.
Victims Receive Medical Attention
Ikoedem said security personnel took the victims to a hospital for medical examination before reuniting them with their families.
She added that police had intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing kidnappers.
Commissioner Commends Security Team
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised the bravery of the police officers, local vigilantes and hunters who participated in the rescue.
He assured residents that the command had strengthened security operations across the area to protect lives and property.
Furthermore, Agbonika urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information that would help security agencies combat crime effectively.
