The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of fourteen (14) kidnapped victims following a deadly ambush by armed men along the Fugar-Agenebode Road, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on July 11, 2025, at about 7:20pm, saw armed assailants block the busy highway, open fire on unsuspecting commuters, killing two persons instantly and abducting several others.
Upon receiving a distress call, the Command swiftly mobilised a combined response team comprising operatives from Agenebode Division, local vigilantes, and hunters, who pursued the fleeing assailants into the forest.
During the fierce gun battle that ensued along Obe Hill by the pipeline leading to Ajaokuta, the security operatives successfully rescued 14 kidnapped passengers alive. Tragically, a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the kidnappers during the crossfire. Additionally, one female victim remains unaccounted for, with intensified search operations ongoing to secure her safe return.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, commended the gallantry and swift intervention of the combined security team and reassured the public of the Command’s determination to bring those responsible to justice.
He further announced that additional security deployments have been made to secure the area, prevent further attacks, and track down the fleeing suspects.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and continue providing credible and timely information that can assist ongoing investigations and security operations in the region.