Edo Police Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims, Launch Manhunt for Fleeing Suspects
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of eleven persons abducted from their farms in Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers on June 25, 2026.
According to the Command, the incident occurred at about 8:20 p.m. after a distress call alerted operatives of the Iyahmo Division that armed men had kidnapped farmers in the area. Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer led a joint response team comprising police operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters into the surrounding forest for a rescue operation.
During the operation, security operatives reportedly made contact with the kidnappers, resulting in a gun duel. The attackers were said to have been overpowered by the superior response of the team, forcing them to abandon their victims and escape into the forest.
All eleven victims—nine males and two females—were rescued unharmed. They have been identified as:
1. Braimah Destiny (46)
2. Aruna Idris (38)
3. Abudu Sharafadeem (38)
4. Godwin Elizabeth (28)
5. James Favour (28)
6. Nonso Ana (30)
7. Abdulilia Ozigi (26)
8. Lambo James (27)
9. Wasia Abdul (48)
10. Lucky Emmanuel (24)
11. Suleman Aliyu (25)
The rescued persons were immediately taken to a medical facility for examination before being reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, the Police Command stated that efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives involved in the operation as well as the supporting vigilantes and hunters for their swift response and coordination.
He also assured residents that the Command remains committed to sustained operations aimed at improving security across the area, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing crime-fighting efforts.
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