The victims, including a 65-year-old farmer, William Omozokpia, were abducted while working on their farms on November 1, 2025. The abduction was reported by Omozokpia’s son, Enoch, who alerted authorities about the incident.

According to a statement issued by the command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Emem Ikoedem, the prompt intervention of the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Ewohimi led to a successful rescue operation. Working in coordination with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, the police team conducted an intensive search of the Ikeken Forest.

The operation forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives, who were then safely freed.

The seven rescued victims, William Akhabue, Innocent Ebarekor, Rachel Ebarekor, Efuah Ebarekor, Winner Ebarekor, William Omozokpia, and Lucky Igiese, also known as Bulala, were unharmed and have been reunited with their families.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, praised the professionalism and dedication of the police officers, soldiers, and vigilantes involved in the operation. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and vowed continued efforts to apprehend the kidnappers still at large.

Source: Punch