By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Edo State Police Command has announced the rescue of nine victims who were recently abducted in separate incidents along major highways in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command said its operatives launched intensive and rigorous bush-combing operations following reports of kidnappings along the Benin-Lagos expressway and the Benin-Akure road.
According to the police, three victims abducted along the Benin-Lagos expressway were rescued, while another six victims who were taken hostage during a bus attack on the Benin-Akure road were also freed. The Command noted that rescue operations are still ongoing to ensure the safe release of other victims still in captivity.
“The Command has initiated intensive and rigorous bush-combing operations which have led to the rescue of three victims from the kidnap along Benin-Lagos expressway, while six victims of the bus kidnap along Benin-Akure road were equally rescued. Rescue operations are ongoing to ensure the safe release of the remaining victims and the arrest of the kidnappers,” the statement read.
The police assured the public of their commitment to tackling criminality in the state, stressing that operatives have been deployed to strategic locations to forestall further incidents.
Citizens with useful information that could aid ongoing operations have been urged to contact the Command through the following hotlines: 080777773721 or 08037646272.
The Command also advised road users to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to rid Edo highways and forests of criminal elements.
