BENIN CITY – Operatives of the Edo State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, have rescued 11 farmers abducted by suspected kidnappers after a fierce gun battle in the forest at Iyahmo, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The victims, made up of nine men and two women, were kidnapped while working on their farms in Ogbido Community on Wednesday, June 25, but regained their freedom after security operatives tracked the hoodlums to their hideout and engaged them in a shootout.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikedem, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, said the Divisional Police Officer of Iyahmo Division swiftly mobilised officers alongside local vigilantes and hunters after receiving a distress call at about 8:20 p.m. over the mass abduction.
According to the statement, the combined security team pursued the kidnappers deep into the forest where a fierce exchange of gunfire forced the criminals to abandon their captives and flee with gunshot injuries.
“The suspected kidnappers were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical response of the security team and escaped into the bush, leaving behind all 11 victims,” the statement said.
Those rescued were identified as 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).
Police said the rescued farmers were taken to a hospital for medical examination before being reunited with their families.
The command added that a massive manhunt has been launched to arrest the fleeing kidnappers and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, praised the bravery of the police operatives, local vigilantes and hunters whose timely intervention led to the successful rescue.
He assured residents that security operations had been intensified across the area to flush out criminal elements and protect lives and property.
Agbonika also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community support remains vital in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
