Edo State Police Command has rescued a 66-year-old kidnapping victim, Mr. Obareki Emmanuel, during a coordinated security operation in the Ibeakuma Forest, while launching a full-scale investigation into a separate robbery attack at the residence of the Edo State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Kennedy Odion.
The command disclosed that Emmanuel was rescued unhurt on Sunday, September 6, following an intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies.
The victim had been abducted alongside his wife, who regained her freedom on September 4 after an earlier rescue operation.
According to the police, security operatives sustained pressure on the kidnappers through intelligence gathering and extensive bush-combing, eventually tracing the suspects to a location inside the Ibeakuma Forest where they had positioned themselves to receive a ransom payment.
At about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, a joint team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, Edo State Security Corps, 82 Mobile Police Force and local vigilantes stormed the area.
The operation led to the successful rescue of Emmanuel without injuries, while the ransom money was also recovered.
Police said the kidnappers exchanged gunfire with the security team before fleeing deeper into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
The command noted that the operation is still ongoing, with security personnel combing the forest in a bid to arrest the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
In a separate development, the Edo State Police Command has commenced investigation into an armed robbery attack at the residence of Hon. Kennedy Odion, the Edo State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The incident reportedly occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on Sunday at Odion’s residence located off Winners Road, Uhie, Benin City.
According to the police, the attackers carted away four mobile phones, ₦500,000 in cash, two Toyota Highlander SUVs and other valuables.
Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Patrick Daaor, personally visited the crime scene and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
The case has since been transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), while detectives have processed the scene and commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Reaffirming its resolve to tackle crime across the state, the command stated that it remains committed to intelligence-led, proactive and collaborative policing.
It assured residents that every available resource would continue to be deployed to safeguard lives and property, while ensuring criminal elements are tracked down and prosecuted.
