Tony Osauzo, Benin

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have‎ reportedly ‎abducted a police officer simply identified as DSP Godwin and four others at Ubiaja, headquarters of Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

‎The police officer was said to be travelling to Asaba when the vehicle he boarded was stopped by the gunmen on the road.

‎According to police sources, DSP Godwin and his co-travellers were taken into the bush, while a pastor who was travelling along the same route was shot and is now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

‎Following the incident, the police have reportedly mobilised a tactical team to the forest reserves around Ewatto, Ubiaja and Okhuessan in a bid to rescue their colleague.

‎Confirming the incident, spokesman for the Edo police command, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor,  said good news would soon emerge from the tactical team’s work in the forest.