Police noted that during the rescue operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while others escaped.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Edo State Police Command says ten University of Benin (UNIBEN) students who were abducted by suspected kidnappers at Ofosu area along the Benin-Ore expressway while on their way to Babcock University for Annual GYC Africa Conference have regained their freedom.
This was disclosed in a statement issued and made available to reporters by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Moses Yamu.
According to him, the ten students rescued by the police include eight males and two females.
Yamu further added that during the rescue operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while others escaped with bullet wounds.
He also said one of the Police officers, an Inspector sustained gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
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The statement read, “The Command wishes to update the general public of the unfortunate kidnap of some students who were on their way to Babcock University for 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 damages as the kidnappers used the victims as human shields. Unfortunately, an Inspector of Police sustained a gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment.
“This rescue effort eventually paid off as the ten (10) kidnapped students comprising eight (8) male and (2) females were released due to intense pressure mounted on them.”
