Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A joint team of security operatives have rescued a 70-year-old farmer, Jonah Owobu of Uwalo Oke in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State after spending days in the den of his kidnappers.
He was kidnapped while working on his farm
The Edo State police image maker, ASP Eno Ikoedem revealed this in her statement made available to Journalists.
Ikoedem said the farmer’s wife reported on April 21 at the Amedokhian Division that her husband had not returned from the farm on April 20.
She further reported that at about 9:30 pm on the same day, unknown individuals contacted the family demanding a staggering ransom of N30 million for his release.
ASP Ikoedem said upon receipt of the report, the Amedokhian Divisional Police Officer, promptly mobilized a joint team comprising police operatives, military personnel, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps for an immediate search and rescue operation within the forest.
“During the operation, the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings were recovered along a forest route, which guided operatives deeper into the area.
“The team eventually located the hideout where the victim was being held. On sighting the advancing operatives, the suspected kidnappers fled into the bush, abandoning the victim.
“The victim was successfully rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with his family”, the statement said.
The command said it has launched an intensive bush combing and manhunt for the fleeing suspects, with a view to apprehending them and bringing them to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and all forms of criminality in the State.
CP Agbonika however appealed to members of the public to always avail the police with useful information that could help nip crime in the bud
