*Rescue Operation Ongoing, Says Spokesman
BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
THE Edo State Police Command has rescued 16 travellers who were on Friday, September 5, kidnapped while travelling from Auchi to Benin City.
A statement on Saturday, September 6, by the Command’s spokesman, Moses Joel Yamu (CSP), said efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining passengers.
He, however, did not mention the number of victims still being held by the abducters.
According to him: “On Friday, 5th September, 2025, about 1630hrs, credible information was received that a Toyota Hiace bus, with the inscription, New Edo Line Transport Company, and registration number EDO 14 B03 ED, conveying passengers from Auchi to Benin, and a Toyota Camry car, with registration number LAGOS-KJA 833 HR, were accosted by armed men who had laid an ambush at a sharp bend between Odemwingie and Obanrenren Communities.
“The hoodlums, who shot sporadically into the air, forcefully took some passengers into the nearby bush.
“On receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, promptly deployed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ekiadolor, tactical teams, vigilantes, and hunters, who embarked on a massive bush-combing operation.
“Through this swift and coordinated response, 16 victims were successfully rescued unhurt.
“Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims, while an intensive manhunt is being carried out to apprehend the perpetrators.”
The Command reassured the public of its commitment to the safety and security of all residents and travellers in the state, adding that the recently introduced Community Safety Partnership initiative would further strengthen collaborative efforts between security agencies and communities in addressing security challenges of this nature.
It urged the public to remain calm, law-abiding and to promptly report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest Police station or the Command’s emergency lines- 08077773721 or 08037646272.
