The Edo State Police Command has rescued 11 farm workers who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, located in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were freed during a joint rescue operation carried out by police operatives, local vigilantes and hunters after authorities received a distress call on June 25, 2026.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, security operatives immediately launched a search of the surrounding forest where the victims were believed to have been taken.
During the operation, the rescue team engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle.
“Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical response of the operatives, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled into the forest,” the police said.
The victims, made up of nine men and two women, were rescued unharmed. They were taken to a hospital for medical examination before being reunited with their families.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised the bravery of the police officers, local vigilantes and hunters whose swift intervention led to the rescue.
He assured residents that security operations had been intensified across the area to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities, while urging members of the public to continue providing useful information that could help security agencies fight crime.
The police also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing kidnappers.
