Security forces in Edo State have successfully rescued ten university-bound students kidnapped en route to a leadership event, as well as arrested two suspected criminals in unrelated cases.
Police spokesperson Moses Yamu, in a press briefing on Saturday, revealed that the victims, eight males and two females, were headed for the GYC Africa Conference at Babcock University when they were seized along the Edo-Ondo border on Wednesday.
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Swift action from the Ohosu Division, IRT operatives, and local vigilantes led to the confrontation with the abductors.
“The team engaged in a fierce exchange of gunfire with the kidnappers, killing one and forcing others to flee, some with gunshot wounds,” said Yamu.
One police officer was injured in the firefight and is currently receiving medical care.
“This rescue effort eventually paid off as the ten (10) kidnapped students comprising eight (8) males and (2) females were released due to intense pressure mounted on them,” he added.
Meanwhile, police also arrested two individuals suspected of armed robbery in the Ovia South-West area.
The suspects—Binigolo Ebineme (25) and Mathew Denwei (27)—were caught following a robbery at Malim Camp Gbelebu, where a victim was dispossessed of his motorcycle and phone.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that these suspects who were arrested with a locally fabricated pistol and two (2) headlamps, as well as the stolen motorcycle, have been terrorising farmers and commuters in that axis of the State,” Yamu stated.
“The suspects have confessed to the crime and will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika reassured the public of the Command’s vigilance and called on residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity or individuals.