Edo Police Rescue 66-Year-Old Kidnap Victim, Recover Ransom

The Edo State Police Command has rescued a 66-year-old kidnapping victim, Mr Obareki Emmanuel, from Ibeakuma Forest in Edo State.

Emmanuel was rescued unhurt on Sunday, September 6, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the police, Nigerian Army, Edo State Security Corps, 82 Mobile Police Force personnel and local vigilantes.

The victim had been abducted alongside his wife, who was rescued unharmed on September 4.

The police said operatives, using technical intelligence and bush-combing operations, tracked the kidnappers to a location in the forest where they had positioned themselves to collect the ransom.

The security team moved into the area at about 4:30pm, resulting in the victim’s rescue and recovery of the ransom money.

According to the Command, the kidnappers engaged the security operatives in a gun battle before fleeing into the forest with gunshot wounds.

Bush-combing operations are continuing as security personnel intensify efforts to track and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Chairman’s Residence
Meanwhile, the Command is investigating a robbery at the residence of the Edo State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Hon Kennedy Odion, in Benin City.

The incident occurred at about 3am on September 6 at the residence off Winners Road, Uhie.

The hoodlums reportedly stole four mobile phones, ₦500,000 cash, two Toyota Highlander vehicles and other valuables.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, visited the scene and directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Violent Crime Response Unit has taken over the case, while detectives have processed the scene and commenced investigations.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led and collaborative policing, assuring residents that it would deploy all available resources to protect lives and property.