Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued seven kidnapped victims from their abductors in the state.
According to a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, the victims were freed during several coordinated rescue efforts across different parts of the state. Sadly, the operation was not without tragedy, as a member of a local Vigilante group lost his life while aiding the police.
Yamu noted that six of the rescued victims were freed through the joint efforts of operatives from Igarra Area Command, Igueben Divisional Police Headquarters, Operation Rescue Teams, and local vigilantes and hunters. Their coordinated actions, he said, led to the successful liberation of the hostages.
Providing more details, Yamu said two individuals had been abducted on April 19, 2025, at around 6:30 pm along the Udoneria-Ewatto road. Meanwhile, another four victims were seized the following day, April 20, along an unpaved road leading to the Udoeguare community.
Another rescue was reported in Etsako Central Local Government Area. Yamu said that a victim who had been kidnapped on April 19 along the Ugbekpe-Agenebode road was freed on April 21, thanks to the efforts of officers from the Agenebode Divisional Police Headquarters, Operation Rescue Teams, and local vigilantes and hunters.
Unfortunately, the operation also resulted in the death of a vigilante member. “A Vigilante, identified as Ijeh Moses lost his life as a result of the fatal gunshot injury sustained during a gun duel with the kidnappers,” Yamu stated.
He further revealed that one of the rescued victims was injured during the ordeal but is currently receiving medical treatment and responding well.
In addition, traces of blood were discovered along the escape routes, suggesting that some of the kidnappers managed to flee while wounded.
Yamu also noted that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, remains fully committed to fighting kidnapping and other crimes in Edo State. The Police Command assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and restore peace across the region.
