Police free 11 kidnap victims in Edo

The Edo State Police have rescued 11 people kidnapped in Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, in Edo North.

The police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, shared this news in a statement on Saturday. She said the victims were taken while they were farming.

A distress call led police from the Iyahmo Division, under the Divisional Police Officer, to start a rescue mission with local vigilantes and hunters.

The statement mentioned that the rescue team found the kidnappers in a nearby forest. This led to a gunfight.

“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 2 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),” the statement said.

Ikoedem added that the victims were taken to the hospital for check-ups and have gone back to their families. She also said the police are still working to catch the suspects who ran away.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised the bravery of the police, local vigilantes, and hunters whose quick action led to the successful rescue.

He assured everyone that the police are boosting operations in the area. He also asked the public to keep giving timely and reliable information to help fight crime.