Three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State who were abducted by suspected kidnappers have been rescued by a joint security team, following a fatal gun battle with the criminals in Edo State.
The Edo State Police Command disclosed on Tuesday that the students were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the Police, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, who briefed journalists on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said the abduction occurred on Sunday night at Ujemen G.T. Extension, Ekpoma.
According to the police, the attack claimed the life of Peter Ekpen Adolor, a 24-year-old 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University, who was shot in the abdomen after responding to distress calls outside a hostel gate.
He was taken to Eguaven Hospital, Ekpoma, where he was confirmed dead.
The gunmen also abducted three female students before fleeing into a nearby forest.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams and nearby police divisions for a joint rescue operation.
The police said the security operatives, acting on intelligence, traced the kidnappers to their hideout in Erah Forest, where they engaged them in a gun battle at about 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
“The superior tactical response of the security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee,” Ikioedem said.
The rescued students were identified as Favour Okoroje, 21; Balogun Precious, 19; and Praise Obagbalu, 18. They were taken to hospital for medical attention.
The operation also led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles with magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a Red Cross bag, and a charger.
Police said one suspected kidnapper was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while another was arrested with gunshot injuries. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who escaped.
The Commissioner of Police expressed condolences to the family of the deceased student, the management of Ambrose Alli University, and the student community over the loss of Adolor.
He also commended the police, military personnel, Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters for their collaboration, while assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals across the state.
