Police rescue 11 kidnap victims in Edo, seven still missing

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 11 out of the 18 passengers kidnapped on Friday, December 12, 2025.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who confirmed the development in a chat with journalists at her office, disclosed that seven other victims remain in captivity.

The passengers were abducted along the Benin–Akure highway near Obarenren village in Ovia North East Local Government Area by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

It was gathered that the attackers ambushed the vehicle, forced it to a halt at gunpoint, and fired sporadic gunshots before whisking the victims into the bush.

Ikoedem said police operatives received a distress call and immediately mobilised, in collaboration with the army, vigilante groups and local hunters, to comb the surrounding bush in search of the victims.

“On Sunday, 11 of the victims were rescued, while seven others are still in the custody of their abductors,” she stated.

She added that the rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, noting that the police are doing everything possible to secure the release of the remaining victims.

The police spokesperson urged members of the public to remain calm, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to ensure the remaining victims are rescued unharmed.