Gunmen Kidnap 18 Travellers In Edo, Police Rescue 11

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 11 out of the 18 passengers abducted by unknown gunmen along the Benin–Akure Highway.

The passengers were kidnapped on Friday, December 12, around Obarenren village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. They were travelling in a vehicle belonging to a popular commercial transport operator in the state when the attackers struck.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, told Channels Television in a telephone interview that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.

READ ALSO: Elderly Cleric Killed In Kano, Suspect Lynched By Mob

According to the police, the vehicle was ambushed at gunpoint, and all the occupants were forcefully taken away by the suspected kidnappers.

Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Command in the area immediately launched a rescue operation in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, and hunters. The security team combed nearby bushes in search of the suspects and the abducted passengers.

The operation yielded results on Sunday with the rescue of 11 of the 18 abducted passengers. The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining seven passengers.

The Edo State Police Command has assured residents that security will be strengthened across the state, particularly as the yuletide season approaches, stressing that Edo State will not be a safe haven for criminals.