Edo CP Agbonika battles gun proliferation, rescues 37 kidnap victims 

By Jethro Ibileke

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has identified the proliferation of firearms as one of the biggest security challenges facing the state.

Speaking during a media briefing on his first 30 days in office, Agbonika disclosed that his men have recovered 25 firearms, including two AK-47 rifles, 130 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 135 live cartridges, and four stolen or robbed vehicles.

“From the day I got into this state, I discovered that proliferation of firearms was a major challenge,” he said. “Even people who claim they are hunters, they have guns—pump action shotguns. We have been taking them over, even when we don’t have any offence against them.”

He warned that individuals and groups, including vigilantes, must not bear arms unless duly authorised. “We will not allow anyone, whether in the name of vigilantes or whatever, to carry firearms at will,” he cautioned.

Agbonika also highlighted other milestones achieved through joint operations and technical intelligence, including the rescue of 37 kidnap victims. Among those rescued was the PDP chairman in Esan West, Andrew Ikajiengbe, who was abducted on his farm in Emu forest. The CP confirmed he was freed unharmed and without any ransom.

“Whenever kidnappers take victims, we go after them, but it’s difficult to engage because they use the hostages as human shields,” he noted. “While they have the liberty to fire at us, we must be cautious not to harm the victims.”

He added that efforts are ongoing to introduce more advanced technology to improve the tracking and capture of kidnappers without endangering hostages.