Dare Babalola
Security operatives have rescued eight out of 12 passengers abducted by gunmen along the Okene–Auchi highway in Okene Local Government Area of the state.
This was disclosed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, via a post on X on Sunday.
Hundeyin said the operation was carried out by the police in conjunction with the military, sharing two videos of the security operatives in a thick forest suspected to be the hideout of the kidnappers.
He wrote, “Of the twelve persons kidnapped on Friday, 26th September 2025 along Okene-Auchi Road, eight have been rescued by the police in conjunction with the military.
“Concerted efforts are in top gear to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining four victims.”
The 12 victims were reportedly kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday on the Okene-Auchi Road close to Ihevbe Community in Owan East Local Government of Edo.
The abductees were said to be traveling to Auchi when the gunmen emerged from the bush, forced their vehicle to a halt and whisked the victims into the bush.
Earlier, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed that two of the kidnapped victims have been rescued by the police.
He said, “The police command is aware of the kidnapping. Two of the victims have been rescued by the police, but we can’t ascertain the number of persons kidnapped. The rescued victims are receiving treatment at the hospital.”
He said the police are still combing the bush to rescue other victims and arrest the perpetrators.
