The timely intervention of security operatives on Friday saved some traders from being kidnapped while travelling along the Igarra–Ibillo highway in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Moses Yamu, who announced the botching of the kidnap attempt in a statement on Sunday, said the combined efforts of operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the bush.
Yamu said the traders were returning from Ibillo Market when the suspected kidnappers struck.
According to him, “On 17/10/2025 at about 20:30hrs, the Command received a distress call about suspected kidnappers operating along the Igarra–Ibillo highway.
“The DPO Igarra swiftly mobilized operatives, including the command’s operation rescue teams, to the scene.
“On sighting the approaching security team, the hoodlums engaged in gunfire but were overpowered and forced to flee into the bush, abandoning their intended victims, traders returning from Ibillo Market.
“All victims were rescued unharmed, while bush combing operations remain ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika commended the professionalism and bravery of the officers and the collaborative efforts of vigilantes and hunters.
Calling on residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the command by promptly reporting suspicious movements and providing actionable intelligence, COMPOL Agbonika insisted that “Security is a shared responsibility. Together, we can rid our communities of criminal elements”.
