Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
EDO STATE, Nigeria — Operatives of the Edo State Police Command, supported by local vigilantes and hunters, have rescued 11 farm workers abducted by suspected kidnappers in the Ogbido Community of Iyahmo, Etsako East Local Government Area, following a fierce gun duel that forced the criminals to abandon their captives and flee into the bush.
The victims, comprising nine males and two females, were abducted from their farms on Wednesday, June 25, 2026. They regained their freedom after security operatives stormed the kidnappers' hideout in the surrounding forest on Saturday, June 27. The Edo State Police Command confirmed the rescue in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem.
According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer of Iyahmo Division led the rescue operation after receiving a distress call at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, reporting the mass abduction. The rescue team, working in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, tracked the kidnappers into the forest, where they engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical response of the operatives, the kidnappers abandoned the 11 captives and fled into the forest.
The rescued victims were identified as 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). Police said the victims were taken to a hospital for medical examination and have since been reunited with their families.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, praised the bravery and resilience of the police operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters whose swift intervention led to the successful rescue. Agbonika said the command had intensified security operations across the area and remained committed to protecting lives and property. He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to support ongoing efforts to combat crime and criminality across the state.
The police added that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspects, assuring residents that efforts were in top gear to apprehend those responsible for the abduction. The successful rescue operation underscores the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and community collaboration in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State.
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