The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued Osazee Okungbowa, who was abducted at the Power Line area of Owanoba Community last Friday.
In a statement on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that Okungbowa had received medical care and had been reunited with his family.
He also assured that efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the kidnapping.
“On 08/02/2025 at about 17:00hrs, operatives of Ologbo Division successfully rescued Osazee Okungbowa from the grip of his abductors,” the statement read.
According to Yamu, Okungbowa was kidnapped at about 9:45 p.m. on 07/02/2025 in the presence of his family by five armed men.
The police, however, acted swiftly, leading to his rescue and safe return home.
In a separate operation, the police arrested a suspected cultist, Kelly Osayawe, for attempted murder after he recklessly fired gunshots at a burial ceremony, injuring a bystander.
Osayawe, 25, a known member of the Vikings cult group, had attended the burial of his fellow cultist’s mother at Old Road, Aduwawa, Benin City.
During the procession, he reportedly fired a locally made cut-to-size pistol into the air, but a stray pellet struck Nzube Cletus, who was standing in front of his shop.
The victim sustained injuries to his hand, leg, and back. Osayawe attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended with the help of community members.
Meanwhile, the police have recovered a stolen Silver Toyota Yaris (BEN 535 DR) after carjackers abandoned it while fleeing law enforcement officers.
A distress call had been received on 06/02/2025 around 2:00 p.m., reporting the vehicle was stolen at gunpoint at Upper Mission Extension.
Acting on the report, operatives from the Okuaihe Division intercepted the suspects, who abandoned the car at Iguomon Community along the Benin-Agbor Road.
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The vehicle was later identified by its rightful owner and returned, while efforts to apprehend the culprits remain ongoing.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Otimenyin, commended residents for their cooperation and urged them to remain security-conscious.
“If you see something, say something. Together, we can ensure a safer Edo State,” she said.
The police have assured the public that investigations into these incidents will continue, with the aim of bringing all suspects to justice.