Edo kidnap rescue sees police free five victims after ambush on Benin–Akure road as search intensifies for four still held

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command rescued five victims after gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted members of a family and other children along the Benin–Akure road, with four persons still held in captivity.

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The incident occurred at about 5 pm on Eko Abeku Iyowa road within the Evboneka community as the victims were returning from school on Monday.

The head of the family, Festus Bamidele, said a nursing mother and her baby were released by the abductors after heavy rainfall and later returned home, alerting relatives to the attack.

Vigilantes and police operatives subsequently rescued three pre kindergarten pupils in the community.

Festus Bamidele said four other victims, aged between 11 and 26 years, including his children, younger sister and sister in law, remain with the abductors, who have reportedly demanded a ransom of N260 million.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said operatives of the Ekiadolor Division engaged the abductors in a gun duel and secured the release of five victims unhurt, while four were taken away.

Eno Ikoedem said police, in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes, have launched an intensive bush combing operation to track the kidnappers and rescue the remaining victims.

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The spokesperson added that the operation forms part of sustained security measures ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, to dismantle criminal networks and deny offenders safe haven across the state.