The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the bodies of two kidnapped women in a forest in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, alongside the arrest of a suspected member of the kidnapping gang.
The victims were abducted on May 9, 2026, when armed men invaded their residence in Iyowa Community and whisked them away into a nearby forest.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the command said the victims included Favour Nosakhare (66), Emmanuel Annabel Osasere (28), and Rejoice Otikpere (26).
The statement revealed that the kidnappers later contacted relatives of the victims through a video call, during which the women were seen being assaulted while ransom demands were made.
“The disturbing development heightened concerns among residents and triggered intensified rescue operations by the Edo State Police Command,” the statement noted.
According to the police, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, working with the Drone Unit, launched coordinated surveillance across forests and suspected hideouts in the area.
The operation led to a gun battle on May 19, during which some suspects were reportedly injured and escaped into the bush, leaving behind weapons and other evidence.
Subsequent intelligence-led investigations led to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect, Musa Haruna, who was reportedly found with a gunshot wound.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed and guided officers to a forest in Ogwa Community, where the decomposing bodies of two victims were discovered on June 2, 2026.
“The suspect led operatives into a thick forest where two decomposing bodies were recovered,” the police statement confirmed.
One of the recovered bodies has been identified by family members as that of Favour Nosakhare.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate still at large, assuring that intensified tactical and intelligence operations are underway.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives involved in the operation, describing their efforts as “professional and dedicated,” and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information.
He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that all suspects involved in the kidnapping network are arrested and brought to justice.
