The Edo State Police Command announced on Friday that it successfully rescued 10 students who had been kidnapped on their way to the Babcock University Annual GYC Africa Conference on Wednesday, at a location near the Edo-Delta state border.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Command’s Spokesperson, Moses Yamu, revealed that during the operation, police officers neutralized one of the kidnappers, while others fled with gunshot injuries.
The statement read, “The Command wishes to update the general public of the unfortunate kidnapping of some students who were on their way to Babcock University for the Annual GYC Africa Conference on 16/04/2025 at a location bordering Edo and Ondo States.
“On receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, immediately deployed operatives of the Ohosu Division, IRT, tactical teams alongside vigilantes and hunters into the bushes for possible rescue of the victims and arrest of suspects. During the operation, operatives engaged in a gun duel with these kidnappers. In the process, one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while others escaped with bullet wounds.
“The operatives were cautious to avoid collateral damage as the kidnappers used the victims as a human shield. Unfortunately, an Inspector of Police sustained a gunshot injury and is currently receiving treatment. This rescue effort eventually paid off as the 10 kidnapped students, comprising eight males and two females, were released due to intense pressure mounted on the kidnappers.
“In a related development, two suspects, Binigolo Ebimene (25 years) and Mathew Denwei (27 years) were arrested following a distress call that they robbed their victim of his motorcycle and his phones at Malim Camp Gbelebu community in Ovia South West Local Government Area. ”
He added, “Preliminary investigation revealed that these suspects who were arrested with a locally fabricated pistol and two headlamps as well as the motorcycle earlier robbed, have been terrorising farmers and commuters in that axis of the State.
“The suspects have confessed to the crime and will be charged in court as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
Yamu stated that the Commissioner of Police (CP) has issued a stern warning to miscreants in the state, emphasizing that there will be no safe haven for criminal activities. The CP urged them to either repent, leave his jurisdiction, or face the consequences.
He further reassured the residents of the state to avoid engaging in crime and encouraged them to promptly report any suspicious individuals, movements, or objects to the police.