Edo Police Rescue Three AAU Students Abducted in Ekpoma, Kill Suspected Kidnapper

EKPOMA – Three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, have been rescued by security operatives after a gun battle with their captors.

The operation, carried out on Tuesday by a joint security team, also led to the death of one suspected kidnapper, while another suspect was arrested with gunshot injuries.

The students were abducted on Sunday when armed men attacked the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. During the attack, Peter Ekpen, a 24-year-old 300-level student, was shot and later died.

The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu (18), Favour Okoroji (21) and Balogun Precious (19).

Speaking on the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, said the command acted immediately after receiving information about the attack.

The police commissioner, who spoke through the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said tactical teams were deployed alongside personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters to rescue the victims.

The joint team tracked the kidnappers to their hideout inside Erah Forest, where they exchanged gunfire with the suspects.

According to the police, one suspected kidnapper was killed during the operation, while another was arrested after sustaining gunshot injuries.

The three students were rescued safely without paying any ransom.

Security operatives also recovered three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a phone charger, a lady’s handbag and other items believed to belong to the suspects.

Commissioner Agbonika praised members of the joint security team for their courage and professionalism during the rescue operation.

He also thanked the Edo State Government and residents who provided useful information that helped security operatives locate the kidnappers.

Speaking after regaining their freedom, the rescued students said they were held deep inside the forest and were constantly moved from one place to another by the kidnappers.

They said the abductors repeatedly demanded the phone numbers of their family members so they could negotiate ransom payments.

The students expressed gratitude to the security agencies for rescuing them before any ransom was paid.