Edo Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Three AAU Students

The Edo State Police Command has rescued three abducted students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered three AK-47 rifles during a joint security operation in Erah Forest.

The operation, however, came after a 300-level AAU student, Peter Ekpen Adolor, was shot dead by the gunmen while attempting to respond to distress calls during the attack.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikedem, disclosed this while briefing journalists on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

According to him, the incident occurred on July 12 at Ujemen G.T. Extension, Ekpoma, when armed men suspected to be kidnappers attacked residents.

He explained that Adolor had responded to screams for help outside a hostel gate but was shot in the abdomen after opening the gate to ascertain the situation. He was rushed to Eguaven Hospital, Ekpoma, where he was confirmed dead.

The attackers subsequently abducted three female students of Ambrose Alli University before escaping into a nearby forest.

The victims were identified as Favour Okoroje, 21; Balogun Precious, 19; and Praise Obagbalu, 18.

Ikedem said the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed tactical teams alongside operatives from the Ekpoma Division for a coordinated rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters.

The joint security team launched intelligence-led bush-combing operations, which eventually led them to the kidnappers’ hideout in Erah Forest in the early hours of July 14.

“The superior tactical response of the security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee. The three kidnapped Ambrose Alli University students were rescued alive and taken to the hospital for medical attention,” Ikedem said.

He disclosed that one suspected kidnapper was neutralised during the gun battle, while another was arrested with gunshot injuries.

The police spokesperson added that three AK-47 rifles with magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a Red Cross bag and a charger were recovered during the operation.

He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang believed to have been terrorising Ekpoma and neighbouring communities through kidnapping.

While expressing satisfaction over the successful rescue of the students, Ikedem said the command was deeply saddened by the death of Adolor.

“On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the officers and men of the Edo State Police Command extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Peter Ekpen Adolor, the management of Ambrose Alli University, his fellow students and everyone affected by this tragic incident,” he said.

Ikedem also commended the bravery and professionalism of personnel of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters whose coordinated efforts led to the rescue operation.

He thanked the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible information, assuring residents that operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals would continue until those responsible were brought to justice.