Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were abducted by armed men in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The students were kidnapped on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during a violent attack in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma.
Tragically, one student, 24-year-old Peter Ekpen, a 300-level undergraduate, was shot and killed during the incident.
The rescued students have been identified as 18-year-old Praise Obagbalu, 21-year-old Favour Okoroji, and 19-year-old Balogun Precious.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the Command swiftly mobilised tactical teams following a distress report.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters.
According to him, the joint security team tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in the Erah Forest, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
During the operation, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while another was arrested with gunshot wounds. The three abducted students were rescued unharmed.
Security operatives also recovered three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger, a lady’s handbag, and other incriminating items believed to be linked to the criminal gang.
Agbonika commended the courage, professionalism, and coordinated efforts of all security personnel involved in the rescue mission.
He also expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, which played a crucial role in the successful operation.
Recounting their ordeal after regaining freedom, the rescued students said they were held captive in the forest and moved repeatedly from one location to another to evade security operatives.
They revealed that they were forced to contact their relatives to demand ransom but were eventually rescued before any payment was made.
The students expressed profound gratitude to the joint security team for securing their release and bringing their ordeal to a safe end without the payment of ransom.
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