A combined team of police operatives at Agenobode, local vigilantes, and hunters have rescued 14 passengers, who were kidnapped on Fugar-Agenebode road, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
This followed a report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers ambushed and blocked the highway, opened fire on unsuspecting commuters, killing two persons on the spot and abducting others in a brazen act of violence.
Spokesman for the Nigeria police Command in Edo State, CSP Moses Yamu said regrettably, a statement on Saturday a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the fleeing kidnappers during the crossfire with security operatives on Obe Hill by pipeline leading to Ajaokuta.
Yamu revealed in a statement on Saturday that a female passenger who was caught in the Friday abduction that occurred on Friday night, is still unaccounted for, while search efforts are ongoing to ensure her safe rescue by security.
The police Image maker said, “On 11/07/2025 at about 1920hrs, upon receiving a distress call that armed men blocked the Fugar-Agenebode road, Etsako East Local Government Area.
“The Command immediately mobilised a combined team of police operatives from Agenebode, local vigilantes, and hunters who responded swiftly and pursued the assailants into the forest”, Yamu said.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the bravery and swift response of the combined security team and accordingly assured the public that everything possible is being done to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
He extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the general public that operations in the area have been intensified.
The statement also said additional deployments have been made to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing criminals.
It enjoined members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement, and continue to provide timely information that can aid ongoing investigations and security operations.
