The ten students who were abducted on their way to the Babcock University Annual GYC Africa Conference between Edo and Delta states on Wednesday have been freed, according to the Edo State Police Command.
Moses Yamu, the command spokesperson, said in a statement on Friday that one of the kidnappers was killed by the police, while the others managed to flee with gunshot wounds.
He said, “The command wishes to update the general public on the unfortunate kidnap of some students who were on their way to Babcock University for the Annual GYC Africa Conference on 16/04/2025 at a location bordering Edo and Ondo states.”
“On receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, immediately deployed operatives of the Ohosu Division, IRT, tactical teams, alongside vigilantes and hunters, into the bushes for the possible rescue of the victims and the arrest of the suspects.”
“During the operation, operatives engaged in a gun duel with the kidnappers. In the process, one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while others escaped with bullet wounds.”
Yamu said that because the kidnappers used the victims as human shields, the security personnel were careful to prevent collateral damage.
“Unfortunately, a police inspector sustained a gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment. This rescue effort eventually paid off, as the 10 kidnapped students, comprising eight males and two females, were released due to the intense pressure mounted on the kidnappers,” she added.
