NIGERIA: Police Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Edo After Gun Battle

By Ameenat Hamzat

The Edo State Police Command has rescued two kidnap victims following an intensified security operation in parts of the state.

The victims, Musibau Kehinde Tracy, 24, and Edewor John, 39, were freed unhurt after operatives engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel.

The development comes amid rising security concerns and reported kidnapping incidents around the Izakagbo/Iwu community and surrounding areas, which prompted the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, to order increased operational deployment and intelligence-driven policing.

Police operatives carried out a coordinated ambush on April 5 at Iyera, along the pipeline after Ovia River, where the suspects were intercepted.

The statement noted that: “suspected kidnappers were intercepte. This led to an exchange of gunfire, during which two kidnapped victim were successfully rescued unhurt.”

The command confirmed that the victims are currently in safe custody, receiving necessary attention, while their families have been contacted.

It added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Reassuring residents, the police stated: “their safety remains our utmost priority,” adding that it “will not relent in its efforts until all perpetrators are tracked down and brought to justice.”

The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and u

seful information.