Police Rescue Four Kidnap Victims Along Lagos Benin Expressway in Edo

Police Rescue Four Kidnap Victims Along Lagos Benin Expressway in Edo
Joint security operation forced abductors to flee into nearby bush.
Police continue manhunt for fleeing kidnappers in Edo State.

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued four persons abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Lagos Benin Expressway following a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.

The victims were rescued after a joint operation by police officers, members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, local hunters and other security personnel.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, CSP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday.

According to Ikoedem, the police received intelligence that about three armed men disguised in vigilante uniforms had blocked the Ugbokun axis of the Lagos Benin Expressway.

She explained that the suspects used logs of wood and leaves to obstruct the road before attacking motorists and abducting some travellers.

The report prompted the Divisional Police Officer of the Okada Division to immediately mobilise a combined security team to the scene.

“The DPO, Okada Division, immediately mobilised a combined team of police operatives including vigilante, local hunters and other security partners to the scene,” Ikoedem stated.

She said the joint security team launched an intensive search of the surrounding forest to locate the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.

According to the police spokesperson, the operation was strengthened with the deployment of drone technology, which enabled security operatives to effectively monitor and search the difficult terrain.

She said the sustained pressure mounted by the security team forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bush.

The rescued victims were identified as Muritala Babatunde, Bello Aminat, Otor Prince and Yeiyah Gift.

Ikoedem confirmed that all four victims had been safely reunited with their families following the rescue operation.

She assured residents and road users that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue efforts to ensure the safety of travellers along the busy highway.

The command added that the operation was still ongoing, with security operatives intensifying efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Ikoedem also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing similar attacks and bringing criminal elements to justice.