Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Police Command has rescued seven kidnap victims in two separate operations in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in Benin.
He, however, expressed sadness over the loss of one civilian volunteer Vigilante member, Ijeh Moses, as a result of fatal gunshot injury he sustained during a gun duel that ensued between the operatives and the kidnappers.
According to the police, the first operation was carried out by operatives of the Igarra Area Command, Igueben Divisional Police Headquarters, Operation Rescue Teams with vigilantes and hunters in the area.
One of the victims (name withheld), who sustained injury is currently responding to treatment.
The statement explained that two of the victims were kidnapped on April 19, 2025 at about 6.30 pm along Udoneria-Ewatto Road, while four others were kidnapped on April 20, 2025, along an earth road leading to Udoeguare community.
In the second incident, operatives of the Agenebode Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with Operation Rescue Teams and vigilantes/hunters in the locality, rescued another kidnap victim.
The victim who was abducted on April 19, 2025, along Ugbekpe-Agenebode Road, was rescued on April 21, 2025.
Meanwhile, CP Monday Agbonika, has commiserated with the family of the civilian volunteer, Ijeh Moses, who paid the supreme price during the rescue operation.
Agbonika who also lauded the bravery of the operatives, just as he expressed unwavering commitment to tackle kidnapping and other related vices in the state.