Sunday, April 26, 2026 - A combined team of police, military personnel, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has rescued a 70-year-old man, Jonah Owobu, from his abductors in the state.
The victim, a native of Uwalo Oke, Uromi, in Esan North-East
Local Government Area, was abducted from his farm on April 20, 2026.
The spokesperson of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed
this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Ikoedem said the wife of the victim reported to the
Amedokhian Divisional Police Headquarters in Esan North Local Government Area
on April 21, 2026, that her husband failed to return from his farm on April 20,
2026.
The command’s image maker said the victim was successfully
rescued following a swift and coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer added that the
victim’s wife further reported that at about 9:30 p.m. on the same day, unknown
individuals contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N30 million for his
release.
She explained that upon receipt of the report, the
Amedokhian Divisional Police Officer promptly mobilised 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.
Ikoedem also added that 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,” she stated.
She added that intensive bush combing and a manhunt for the
fleeing suspects are ongoing, with a view to apprehending them and bringing
them to justice.
Meanwhile, Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police in
charge of the command, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to
combating kidnapping and all forms of criminality in the state.
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