Police Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims After Fierce Gun Battle With Abductors in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has rescued 11 people abducted by suspected kidnappers in Iyahmo, Etsako East Local Government Area, following a fierce gun battle that forced the attackers to flee into the forest.

The victims nine men and two women were rescued unharmed during a joint operation involving police operatives from Iyahmo Division, local vigilantes and hunters.

According to the police, the rescue operation was launched after a distress call was received at about 8:20 p.m. on June 25, reporting that 11 people had been kidnapped while working on their farms in Ogbido Community.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said officers immediately mobilised and tracked the kidnappers into the surrounding forest.

During the operation, the rescue team encountered the armed suspects, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The police said the kidnappers, unable to withstand the superior tactical response of the security team, abandoned the victims and escaped into the forest.

The rescued victims are: Braimah Destiny 46, Aruna Idris 38, Abudu Sharafadeem 38, Godwin Elizabeth 28, James Favour 28, Nonso Ana 30, Abdulilia Ozigi 26, Lambo James 27, Wasia Abdul 48, Lucky Emmanuel 24 and Suleman Aliyu 25.

The victims were taken to hospital for medical examination before being reunited with their families. The police said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Commending the operation, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised the courage and professionalism of the police officers, local vigilantes and hunters whose swift intervention led to the successful rescue.

"The Command has intensified operations across the area and remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents," the statement said.

The police also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.