After gun battle with kidnappers, police, vigilante members rescue 14 in Edo

It a show of strength, operatives of the Edo State Police Command, vigilante members and hunters outgunned a gang of kidnappers to rescue 14 abducted persons.

The victims were abducted on Friday by the gunmen along the Fugar-Aganebode Road, after killing two persons on the spot.

According to a statement by the State Police Command Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, Saturday, during the rescue operation, along Obe Hill by pipeline leading to Ajaokuta, the operatives engaged the kidnappers in gun duel.

While the passengers were rescued alive, “unfortunately, a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the fleeing kidnappers during the crossfire.

“One female victim is still unaccounted for, and search efforts are ongoing to ensure her safe rescue,” Yamu said.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has commended the bravery and swift response of the combined security team.

Agbonika who extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, assures the general public that operations in the area have been intensified.

He assured the public that everything possible is being done to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice, as additional deployments have been made to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing criminals.