A combined team of police, military personnel, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has rescued a 70-year-old man, Jonah Owobu, from his abductors in the state.
DAILY POST reports that the victim, a native of Uwalo Oke, Uromi, in Esan North-East Local Government Area, was abducted from his farm on April 20, 2026.
The spokesperson of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Ikoedem said the wife of the victim reported to the Amedokhian Divisional Police Headquarters in Esan North Local Government Area on April 21, 2026, that her husband failed to return from his farm on April 20, 2026.
The command’s image maker said the victim was successfully rescued following a swift and coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer added that the victim’s wife further reported that at about 9:30 p.m. on the same day, unknown individuals contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.
She explained that upon receipt of the report, the Amedokhian Divisional Police Officer promptly mobilised a joint team comprising police operatives, military personnel, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps for an immediate search-and-rescue operation within the forest.
Ikoedem also added that during the operation, the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings were recovered along a forest route, which guided operatives deeper into the area.
“The team eventually located the hideout where the victim was being held. On sighting the advancing operatives, the suspected kidnappers fled into the bush, abandoning the victim.
“The victim was successfully rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with his family,” she stated.
She added that intensive bush combing and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects are ongoing, with a view to apprehending them and bringing them to justice.
Meanwhile, Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the command, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and all forms of criminality in the state.
He, however, assured residents of sustained security operations and urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to the police.
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