The Police Command in Edo State has announced the rescue of a kidnapped farmer and his two wives while also apprehending eight suspected kidnappers. This operation was executed through precise intelligence gathering and systematic bush-combing efforts specifically in Esan West and Owan West Local Government Areas.
In a statement released on Monday, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the command's spokesperson, emphasized that these achievements are part of ongoing security measures initiated by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, aimed at dismantling criminal networks and preventing offenders from finding refuge within the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, a distress signal was received from the Egoro Amende community in Ekpoma, detailing the abduction of the victims from their farm located in a remote area.
"On Wednesday, 28th January 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a meticulously coordinated operation was carried out in the Idoha/Ewu Forest and other known hideouts, following directives from the Commissioner of Police. This operation involved tactical teams from the command, a drone unit, members of the Edo State Security Corps, local hunters, and vigilante groups," the statement revealed.
During this operation, three tents believed to serve as kidnapping camps were discovered, leading to the apprehension of eight suspects: Jokoro Sali (52), Buhari Ibrahim (32), Isah Abubakar (35), Shehu Ibrahim (25), Abdullahi Samar (18), Ibrahim Shaibu (19), Mohammed Joro (22), and Suleiman Sunana (35). Additionally, five mobile phones, suspected to belong to previous kidnapping victims, were seized. Investigations are currently underway to expose further members of the criminal syndicate.
On Thursday, 29th January 2026, around 7:30 a.m., another distress call from Egoro Amende Community reported the kidnapping of the same farmer and his two wives from their farm. The victims have been identified as Abraham Udewa, Brinda Abraham, and Anna Abraham, all hailing from Benue State.
The Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma Division quickly assembled a joint rescue team, which included police officers, soldiers, Edo State Security Corps personnel, local vigilantes, and community youths participating in the Community Safety Partnership program. They conducted an extensive search in areas such as Egoro Amende Forest, Igbira Farm Settlement, and Ekeke Erah Forest in Owan West Local Government Area.
As the security team approached, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled the scene. Fortunately, the victims were rescued unharmed. Recovered items included cutlasses, a solar panel, a torch, a canvas bag, rope, palm oil, and a cap. Ongoing surveillance and further bush-combing operations continue to seek out the fleeing suspects.
The Edo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding vital infrastructure, and dismantling organized crime networks in the state. Members of the public are encouraged to remain alert and cooperate with the police by providing timely and reliable information that may assist in proactive policing.
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