Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were abducted by gunmen in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, after a joint security operation killed one suspected kidnapper dead.
The students were kidnapped on Sunday, July 12, during an attack at the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma, in which a 24-year-old 300-level student, Peter Ekpen Adolor, was shot dead after responding to distress calls outside a hostel. The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18; Favour Okoroje, 21; and Balogun Precious, 19.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who spoke through the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said the command swiftly deployed tactical teams alongside the Nigerian Army, Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters for a rescue mission. According to the police, the joint security team stormed the kidnappers’ hideout in Erah Forest in the early hours of Tuesday, engaging the suspects in a gun battle that forced them to abandon their captives and flee.
One suspected kidnapper was killed during the operation, while another was arrested with gunshot injuries. Security operatives also recovered three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger, a Red Cross bag, and other items.
Agbonika said efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang, described as notorious kidnappers operating around Ekpoma and neighbouring communities. The commissioner commended the police, military, Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters for their bravery and professionalism, while appreciating the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely intelligence.
The rescued students said they were moved from one location to another inside the forest while their captors demanded ransom from their families. They confirmed they regained freedom during the security operation without any ransom being paid.
