Three students of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Edo State, have been rescued by security operatives following a joint operation that led to the death of one suspected kidnapper and the arrest of another.
The students were kidnapped on Sunday, July 12, when armed men attacked the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area.
During the attack, a 24-year-old 300-level student, Peter Ekpen Adolor, was fatally shot.
The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18, Favour Okoroje, 21, and Balogun Precious, 19.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ekpoma, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said the command launched an immediate rescue operation after receiving a distress report.
He said, “Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police directed the deployment of tactical teams alongside personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters for a coordinated rescue mission.”
According to the police, the security team tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in Erah Forest in the early hours of Tuesday, where a gun battle ensued.
“The superior tactical response of the joint security team forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee. One suspect was neutralised, another was arrested with gunshot injuries, while the three abducted students were rescued alive,” the police said.
Security operatives also recovered three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger and a Red Cross bag during the operation.
The commissioner explained that the deceased student was shot after responding to cries for help outside a hostel gate during the attack.
He said, “Peter Ekpen Adolor attempted to find out what was happening after hearing distress calls outside the hostel. He was shot in the abdomen by one of the attackers and later died at the hospital.”
Agbonika commended the efforts of the police, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters for their collaboration, while also appreciating the Edo State Government and residents for providing useful information that aided the rescue mission.
He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who escaped during the operation.
The rescued students, who spoke after regaining their freedom, said they were moved between different locations inside the forest by their captors, who repeatedly demanded ransom from their families.
They, however, confirmed that they regained their freedom through the security operation and that no ransom was paid.
