Edo Police, Vigilantes Rescue 11 Abducted Farmers in Gun Battle

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command, backed by local vigilantes and hunters, have rescued 11 kidnapped farmers following a fierce gun duel with suspected kidnappers in Iyahmo, Etsako East Local Government Area of the State.

The victims, comprising nine men and two women, were abducted from their farms in Ogbido Community on Wednesday, June 25, but regained their freedom after security operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout in the surrounding forest.

The Edo State Police Command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikedem.

According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer of Iyahmo Division led the rescue operation after receiving a distress call at about 8:20 p.m. reporting the mass abduction.

The command said the rescue team, working in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, tracked the kidnappers into the forest where a gun battle ensued.

The suspected kidnappers reportedly fled into the bush after being overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical response of the security team, abandoning all 11 victims.

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 hospital for medical examination and have since been reunited with their families.

The command added that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspects, assuring residents that efforts were on top gear to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

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.