Police neutralise suspects, rescue 10 abducted students in Edo

Eric Patrick 

The Edo State Police Command has rescued ten students kidnapped on their way to Babcock University for the Annual GYC Africa Conference.

According to reports, the students were allegedly kidnapped on April, 16, at a route bordering Edo and Ondo States.

The Command disclosed this in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu on Sunday.

Following a report of the abduction, the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, swiftly deployed officers from the Ohosu Division, supported by local vigilantes and hunters, to search the surrounding forest areas.

During the rescue operation, the police engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the neutralisation of one suspect, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The statement added that, one police inspector sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and is currently receiving treatment.

According to the police, the kidnappers used the students as human shields, compelling operatives to act with extreme caution. 

After enduring prolonged pressure during a gunfight, the ten abducted students—eight boys and two girls—were eventually freed without any additional injuries.

In a separate operation, the Command also arrested two armed robbery suspects, identified as Binigolo Ebimene, 25, and Mathew Denwei, 27, following a distress call from Malim Camp, Gbelebu community, in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, where they allegedly robbed a victim of his motorcycle and mobile phones.

Investigation revealed that the suspects had been terrorising farmers and commuters in the area, and were found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol, two headlamps, and the stolen motorcycle. 

Both suspects however, confessed to the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.