There was jubilation in Edo State on Tuesday as police rescued three kidnapped students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, following a fierce gun battle with their abductors in a forest hideout.
The students were freed three days after they were abducted by gunmen who attacked the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area. During the attack, a 300-level student, Peter Ekpen, 24, was shot dead.
The rescued students are Praise Obagbalu, 18, Favour Okoroji, 21, and Balogun Precious, 19.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed the successful operation while briefing journalists at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma. He was represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
According to the police, a distress call was received shortly after the attack, prompting the Commissioner to deploy tactical teams in a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters.
The operation led security operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout in the Erah Forest, where they engaged the suspects in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the operation, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised while another was arrested with gunshot wounds. The three abducted students were rescued unharmed without the payment of any ransom.
Security operatives also recovered three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger, a lady’s handbag and other incriminating items.
Agbonika praised the courage and professionalism of officers of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue.
He also thanked the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence that contributed to the operation.
Speaking after regaining their freedom, the rescued students recounted their ordeal, saying they were kept deep inside the forest and constantly moved from one location to another as their captors pressured them to call their families to raise ransom.
They expressed gratitude to the joint security team for rescuing them alive without any ransom being paid.
