Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued 11 kidnapped victims in Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, in Edo North.
This was disclosed in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, on Saturday.
Ikoedem said the victims were abducted from their farms, but a distress call to the police led to their rescue.
According to Ikoedem, the victims were rescued on Thursday at about 8:20 p.m. following a distress call reporting that 11 persons had been kidnapped from their farms.
“The operatives of Iyahmo Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly embarked on a rescue operation within the surrounding forest.
“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, nine males and two females were rescued unhurt.
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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).”
Ikoedem said the victims were taken to a hospital for medical examination and had since been reunited with their families.
He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.