The police command in Edo says it has rescued kidnapped victims in two separate operations, killed one suspect, and foiled an abduction attempt in the state.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, on Monday in Benin.

The police said that the operations were executed in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters.

According to Mr Yamu, on October 14, operatives of the Jattu Division rescued a 12-year-old Blessing Anani, who was abducted from Ayogwiri Community, Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government of the state.

The police said that its operatives trailed a family member, Sunday Idornigie, who was forced to deliver ransom to the kidnappers around the Agenebode axis.

According to the statement, “upon arrival, one of the suspects viciously attacked the family member with a machete.

“As operatives advanced to rescue him, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting an exchange of gunfire.”

The police said that, although the gang fled during the gun battle, Mr Anani was rescued unhurt, while Idornigie, who sustained machete injuries, was taken to the hospital for treatment.

He said that one of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange and was confirmed dead at Favour Hospital, Afashio.

“His body has been deposited in the morgue even while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang,” he said.

In another operation on October 17, the command said it foiled an attempt to abduct some residents along Igarra–Ibillo highway.

The police said that its operatives had responded to a distress call about suspected kidnappers on the route in the Igarra area of the state.

“The hoodlums engaged the team in gunfire but were overpowered and forced to flee into the bush, abandoning their intended victims, traders returning from Ibillo market,” the police said.

The command revealed that all the victims were rescued unharmed, while bush combing operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The commissioner of police, CP Monday Agbonika, while commending the officers, urged the residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police through credible information.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Together, we can rid our communities of criminal elements,” he stated.

(NAN)