By Desire Emmanuel
The swift intervention of men of the Edo State Police Command saved some traders from being abducted by kidnappers while they were returning from the market in the night as the officers foiled the attempt during a gun duel with the hoodlums.
The state police command announced the incident on its Facebook page on Sunday night, saying the attempted abduction took place along the Igarra-Ibillo highway.
According to reports, the command received a distress call about the kidnappers who were operating on the highway and had laid an ambush for the traders returning from Ibillo Market around 8:30 p.m.
Following the call received, the operatives attached to the Igarra Divisional Headquarters mobilised to the scene and on sighting the operatives, the abductors were said to have opened fire.
The police operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the abductors to flee into the nearby bush. The operatives eventually rescued the traders and led them out of the area.
The command added that a manhunt had been launched for the kidnappers, some of whom it said escaped with gunshot wounds.
The state police command has been grappling with the activities of kidnappers who have been abducting residents of the state and demanding for ransom from their relatives.
Some of the arrested abductors have been charged to various courts in the state while many assorted arms and ammunition have been recovered from them.
