(AAU. Photo by NewsExpress)
A 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, identified as Peter Ekpen Adolor, has been k!lled by suspected kidn@ppers.
The 24-year-old was said to have been shot in the abdomen on Sunday when armed men stormed the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. He was confirmed d£ad on arrival at the hospital.
During the att@ck, the gunmen also abducted three female AAU students, identified as 21-year-old Favour Okoroje, 19-year-old Balogun Precious, and 18-year-old Praise Obagbalu, before fleeing into the bush.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Edo Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem disclosed that the three abducted students have since been rescued unharmed, adding that one of the kidn@ppers was neutralised during the rescue operation.
She explained that upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police had ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams alongside nearby police divisions, including the Ekpoma Division, for a joint rescue mission carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters.
The team then embarked on coordinated bush-combing and intelligence-led operations aimed at freeing the hostages unharmed while apprehending those responsible.
According to her, the joint security team traced the kidn@ppers’ hideout to Erah Forest, where they engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle.
The superior tactical response from security operatives compelled the kidn@ppers to abandon their captives and flee, allowing the three abducted AAU students to be rescued alive and rushed 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, one red cross bag, and one charger.
One suspected kidn@pper was neutralised in the process, while another was apprehended with serious gunshot injuries.
Ikoedem noted that operations remain ongoing to track down the remaining fleeing members of the notorious gang known for kidn@pping around Ekpoma and its environs, to ensure they are brought to justice.
