Following a rigorous bush-combing search in Igbanke, the Edo State Police Command, alongside local security groups, successfully freed a kidnapped woman.
The development was disclosed in an official statement released on Tuesday by the command’s public relations officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
The police statement detailed the origin of the incident: “On 16th May, 2026, at about 0945hrs, one Chinedu George ‘m’, aged 18years, reported that he was abducted with his mother, Mrs. Vivian George, aged 57 years, by suspected kidnappers while on their way to their farm at Ottah Community, Igbanke, but he managed to escape.
Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Division immediately mobilised detectives alongside members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters into the forest on a rescue operation.”
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Ikoedem explained that the search party tracked down the suspects inside the forest, leading to a direct exchange of gunfire.
“Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and pressure mounted by the operatives, the suspects fled into the forest with gunshot injuries and abandoned the victim,” she stated.
According to the PPRO, the woman was brought out of the forest safely without injuries and has been brought back to her family.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, praised the bravery and rapid action of the police officers and the local security partners who assisted them.
The command concluded by restating its dedication to wiping out kidnapping and violent crimes in the state, while reminding members of the public to keep supporting law enforcement with credible and prompt information.
