Edo police rescue 14, one killed in kidnapper clash

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

The Edo State Police Command reported that one person was killed and 14 others were rescued from kidnappers during a gun duel along Obe Hill by the pipeline leading to Ajaokuta.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yamu Joel, in a statement, said the police received a distress call that armed men were terrorising the Fugar-Agenebode road, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, and they quickly responded to intervene.

“On 11/07/2025 at about 1920hrs, upon receiving a distress call that armed men blocked the Fugar-Agenebode road, Etsako East Local Government Area, the Command immediately mobilised a combined team of police operatives from Agenebode, local vigilantes, and hunters who responded swiftly and pursued the assailants into the forest.

“During the encounter, a gun duel ensued along Obe Hill by the pipeline leading to Ajaokuta, and the security team successfully rescued fourteen (14) kidnapped passengers 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.

“This follows the report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers ambushed and blocked the highway, opened fire on unsuspecting commuters, killing two persons on the spot and abducting others in a brazen act of violence,” Yamu said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the bravery and swift response of the combined security team and has assured the public that everything possible will be done to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The Police Public Relations Officer further stated that the command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the general public that operations in the area will be intensified.

He said that additional deployments have been made to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing criminals.

He urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement, and continue to provide timely information that can aid ongoing investigations and security operations in the area and in the state.