The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 10 students who were kidnapped on Wednesday while traveling to the Babcock University Annual GYC Africa Conference. The rescue took place in a forested area along the Edo-Delta state border.
In a statement on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, said one of the kidnappers was killed during a gunfight with officers, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“After receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, deployed tactical teams, operatives from the Ohosu Division, hunters, and vigilantes to the area. Despite the kidnappers using the students as human shields, our team was able to avoid collateral damage,” Yamu stated.
One police inspector was injured during the operation and is currently receiving medical attention. According to Yamu, the pressure from security forces forced the kidnappers to release all 10 students—eight males and two females.
In a separate incident, police arrested two robbery suspects, Binigolo Ebimene (25) and Mathew Denwei (27), in the Ovia South West Local Government Area after a distress call reported a robbery. The suspects, found with a locally made pistol, two headlamps, and a stolen motorcycle, have confessed and will be charged in court after the investigation concludes.
The Commissioner of Police warned criminals to either repent or leave the state, assuring residents that the police remain committed to keeping Edo safe. He also urged the public to report any suspicious activity.