The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued six kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated operations, though the effort tragically claimed the life of a vigilante member.
Moses Yamu, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, April 25, 2025. According to Yamu, the rescue missions were carried out at different locations and on separate days.
“On 20/04/2025, operatives of the Igarra Area Command, Igueben Divisional Police Headquarters, Operation Rescue teams, alongside vigilantes and hunters, embarked on a daring and coordinated mission, resulting in the successful rescue of six kidnapped victims,” Yamu said.
Unfortunately, during the fierce gun battle with the kidnappers, one vigilante, identified as Ijeh Moses, sustained fatal injuries and later died. Another victim also suffered injuries but is currently receiving treatment and responding well, he added.
Yamu noted that some of the kidnappers managed to escape with bullet wounds, as bloodstains were discovered along their escape route. Two of the rescued individuals had been abducted on April 19, 2025, at around 6:30 p.m. along the Udoneria-Ewatto road, while the remaining four were kidnapped on April 20, 2025, near the road leading to Udoeguare Community.
Additionally, Yamu disclosed that another victim, who had been kidnapped on April 19, 2025, along the Ugbekpe-Agenebode route, was rescued on April 21, 2025, through the efforts of the Agenebode Divisional Police, Operation Rescue teams, and local vigilante groups.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
