Edo State Police Command has rescued 11 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, following a coordinated operation involving police officers, local vigilantes and hunters.
The victims, who were reportedly kidnapped while working on their farms, regained their freedom after security operatives engaged the armed suspects in a gun battle deep inside the forest.
A statement by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the incident occurred on June 25, 2026, at about 8:20 p.m., when the police received a distress call reporting that 11 farmers had been kidnapped from Ogbido Community.
Responding swiftly, operatives from the Iyahmo Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), teamed up with local vigilantes and hunters to launch a search-and-rescue mission in the surrounding forest.
The operation culminated in a fierce exchange of gunfire between the security team and the kidnappers.
Faced with the superior firepower and tactical response of the rescue team, the kidnappers reportedly abandoned their captives and fled into the forest.
The rescued victims include Braimah Destiny, 46; Aruna Idris, 38; Abudu Sharafadeem, 38; Elizabeth Godwin, 28; Favour James, 28; Nonso Ana, 30; Abdulilia Ozigi, 26; Lambo James, 27; Wasia Abdul, 48; Lucky Emmanuel, 24; and Suleman Aliyu, 25.
Police said all 11 victims—comprising nine men and two women—were rescued unhurt. They were taken to a hospital for medical examination before being reunited with their families.
The Command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, praised the courage and professionalism displayed by the police operatives, local vigilantes and hunters whose timely intervention ensured the victims’ safe rescue.
The police also assured residents that security operations have been intensified across the area to prevent further criminal activities.
The Command urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist security agencies in tackling crime and criminality across the state.
Residents were also encouraged to contact the Command through its 24-hour emergency lines—08077773721 and 08037646272—or report complaints via the Public Complaints Bureau on 08150999335 and the Complaints Response Unit on 08100389992.