The Edo State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims, Musibau Kehinde Tracy and Edewor John, following a gun battle with suspected abductors.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued in Benin City by the Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem.
According to her, the victims were abducted in the Izakagbo/Iwu community area of Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
She explained that the operation followed increased security concerns and reports of kidnapping incidents in the area, prompting the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, to order intensified security deployments and intelligence-led operations.
According to her, “the Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that following the recent security concerns and reported kidnapping incidents around Izakagbo/Iwu community and its environs, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika ordered an immediate intensification of operational deployments and intelligence-driven policing across the affected axis.
“This strategic intervention has yielded positive results. On 5th April, 2026, through a well-coordinated ambush operation carried out by operatives of the Command, suspected kidnappers were intercepted at Iyera, along the pipeline after the Ovia River.
“This led to an exchange of gunfire, during which two kidnapped victims, one Musibau Kehinde Tracy ‘F’, 24 years, and one Edewor John ‘M’, 39 years, were successfully rescued unhurt.
“Both victims are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary attention and their families are contacted as operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” she said.
The police spokesperson reassured residents, particularly those in affected communities, of the Command’s commitment to ensuring their safety.
She added that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, stressing that the Command remains resolute in tackling criminal activities across the state.
Members of the public were also urged to stay vigilant and support law enforcement agencies with timely and useful information.
