A civilian security volunteer has been confirmed dead following a daring rescue operation by operatives of the Edo State Police Command, which led to the successful rescue of six kidnap victims in different parts of the state.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the operation was carried out on 20 April 2025 by officers attached to the Irrua Area Command, Igueben Divisional Police Headquarters, and members of Operation Rescue Team.
They were assisted by local vigilantes and hunters.
The rescue mission, which involved a gun duel with the kidnappers, unfortunately claimed the life of a vigilante identified as Ijeh Moses, who sustained fatal gunshot injuries during the exchange.
One of the victims also sustained injuries but is reportedly responding to treatment.
Yamu stated that, “Two of the victims were abducted on 19 April at about 6:30 p.m. along Udoneria-Ewatto Road, while four others were kidnapped on 20 April along an earth road leading to Udoeguare community.”
He added that some of the kidnappers are believed to have escaped with bullet wounds, as traces of blood were discovered along their escape route.
In a related operation on 21 April, one more abducted victim—who was taken on 19 April along the Ugbekpe-Agenebode Road—was also rescued in a joint effort by officers of the Agenebode Divisional Police Headquarters, Operation Rescue Teams, and local vigilantes.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased vigilante and reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid the state of kidnappers and other criminal elements.
“While we mourn the loss of a brave civilian volunteer, we remain resolute in our commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Edo State,” the Commissioner said.
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