Police rescue 11 kidnap victims in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued 11 individuals who had been kidnapped while working on their farms in Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, Edo North. The victims, comprising nine males and two females, were reportedly unharmed during the rescue operation.

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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.

The swift response was prompted by a distress call, leading operatives from the Iyahmo Division, accompanied by local vigilantes and hunters, to launch an immediate rescue mission. The team encountered the kidnappers in the surrounding forest, resulting in a fierce gun battle.

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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).

According to the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, the kidnappers, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical response of the security operatives, abandoned their captives and fled into the forest. The rescued individuals have been identified by name and age, including Braimah Destiny (46), Aruna Idris (38), and Godwin Elizabeth (28), among others.

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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.

Following their rescue, the victims were transported to a hospital for medical examinations and have since been reunited with their families. The police command has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika praised the gallantry of the police, vigilantes, and hunters involved, emphasizing the command's commitment to ensuring residents' safety through intensified operations and urging continued public cooperation in providing timely information.

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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.