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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Police Command has rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, abducted by armed men last Sunday in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government.
The students were kidnapped during an attack on Ujemen G.T. Extension, Ekpoma. Peter Ekpen, a 24-year-old 300-level undergraduate, was shot dead during the attack.
The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18; Favour Okoroji, 21; and Balogun Precious, 19.
Briefing journalists in Ekpoma yesterday, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the command received a distress report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers had invaded the area and abducted the students.
He said the CP immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams, leading to a joint rescue operation involving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters.
According to him, the operation was carried out at the kidnappers’ hideout in the Erah Forest, where security operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle.
“One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while another was arrested with gunshot injuries. The three abducted students were rescued unharmed,” Agbonika said.
He disclosed that security operatives recovered three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger, a lady’s handbag and other incriminating items from the suspects.
Agbonika commended the bravery, professionalism and resilience of personnel of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and the local hunters whose collaborative efforts led to the successful rescue.
He also appreciated the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence that aided the operation.
Speaking after regaining their freedom, the rescued students recounted that they were held deep inside the forest by their abductors, who constantly moved them from one location to another while demanding that they contact their families to raise ransom.
They expressed gratitude to the joint security team, noting that they were rescued without any ransom being paid.
