Dare Babalola
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of nine kidnapped victims from two separate incidents across the state, including passengers of a GUO Transport bus abducted along the Benin–Lagos Expressway.
The Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin City.
According to the statement, five victims who were travelling in a GUO bus were rescued after being kidnapped along the busy highway.
In a separate operation, four other victims earlier abducted in Imeakabu/Itsukwi communities were freed from captivity in the Imiegba forest in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
Ikoedem said all nine victims were rescued unharmed following a coordinated security response led by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.
“The Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the general public that all victims abducted during the recent kidnapping incident along the Benin–Lagos Expressway have been successfully rescued alive.
“This breakthrough was achieved following the immediate and massive deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, aerial surveillance, and other operational resources by the Commissioner of Police to the affected corridor,” the statement read.
She added that sustained bush-combing operations and strategic domination of the area forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims.
The police spokesperson further noted that all rescued individuals have received medical attention and have been reunited with their families.
In a related development, the Command confirmed the rescue of four additional victims held in the Imiegba forest, bringing the total number of rescued persons to nine.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police reassured residents and commuters of improved security along the Benin–Lagos Expressway and surrounding communities.
He said tactical and intelligence deployments have been intensified across the axis and will remain in place until the route is fully secured.
Agbonika also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects, expressing confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice promptly.
