Three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, have been rescued by operatives of the Edo State Police Command following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Esan West Local Government Area.
The students were abducted on Sunday, July 12, during an attack at the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. During the incident, 24-year-old 300-level student Peter Ekpen Adolor was shot and later died from his injuries.
The rescued students are Praise Obagbalu, 18, Favour Okoroje, 21, and Balogun Precious, 19.
According to Punch, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, said the command launched a joint rescue operation after receiving a distress report about the attack. The operation involved tactical police teams, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters.
The security team tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in Erah Forest, where a fierce gun battle ensued in the early hours of Tuesday. One suspected kidnapper was killed, while another was arrested with gunshot wounds. The remaining suspects escaped into the forest.
Police also recovered three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger, a Red Cross bag and other items believed to be linked to the gang.
Agbonika said the kidnappers abandoned the three students during the exchange of gunfire. They were rescued alive and taken to hospital for medical attention.
He commended the police officers, soldiers, Edo State Security Corps personnel and local hunters for their professionalism during the operation. He also thanked the Edo State Government and residents for providing intelligence that contributed to the successful rescue.
The rescued students told journalists they were moved from one location to another inside the forest while their captors demanded ransom from their families. They confirmed they regained their freedom without any ransom being paid.
