‘How abducted Edo varsity students were rescued within 48 hours’

By Ayox Ojo

The Police have explained how three students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, were abducted and successfully rescued by a joint team of security operatives within 48 hours.

The gunmen also killed a student of the university in the attack on Sunday evening in Ekpoma.

The spokesperson of Edo Police Command, ASP Edo Ikoedem revealed how the students were abducted and rescued while briefing journalists on behalf of the state commissioner of police, Monday Agbonika in Benin on Tuesday.

According to her, report of the gunmen attack and abduction of the students was made at the Divisional Police Office at about 9 pm Sunday.

The gunmen suspected to be kidnappers had attacked at Ujemen G.T. Extension, Ekpoma.

She said police findings indicated that following a distress scream outside a hostel gate in Ekpoma, one Peter Ekpen Adolor, a 24-year-old 300-Level student of Ambrose Alli University, attempted to open the gate to ascertain the situation.

“In the process, he was shot in the abdomen by one of the armed assailants. He was rushed to Eguaven Hospital, Ekpoma, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

“The attackers also abducted three persons , all students of Ambrose Ali university before escaping into the nearby bush.

Ikoedem said on receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams and nearby Police Divisions including Ekpoma Division who were detailed for a joint rescue mission in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters.

“The team subsequently conducted coordinated bush-combing and intelligence-led operations aimed at rescuing the hostages unhurt and apprehending the perpetrators,” the Edo Police spokesperson said.

She added that efforts of the security operatives paid off in the early hours of Tuesday 14th July, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., when the joint security team located the kidnappers’ hideout in Erah Forest and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

The Edo Police spokesperson added that superior tactical response of the security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee during the gun battle.

This, she said, led to the rescue of the three kidnapped Ambrose Alli University students identified as Favour Okoroje (f) 21 yrs, Balogun precious (f) 19 yrs, Praise Obagbalu (f) 18 yrs

She added that the rescued students were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Ikoedem said the operation also led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles with magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunitions, five mobile phones, two power banks, one red cross bag and one charger

One suspected kidnapper was killed while another was apprehended with serious gunshot injuries.

She said operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the notorious gang that specialised in kidnapping at Ekpoma and environs thereby ensuring that they are brought to justice.

“While the Command is pleased with the successful rescue of the abducted students, it remains deeply saddened by the unfortunate death of Peter Ekpen Adolor.

“On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the officers, men and women of the Edo State Police Command extend heartfelt condolences to his family, the management of Ambrose Alli University, his fellow students, and all those affected by this tragic incident.

“The Commissioner of Police commends the bravery, professionalism, and resilience of the operatives of @EdoPoliceNG, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and the local hunters whose collective efforts made this successful operation possible.

“CP Agbonika also appreciates the continued support of the Edo State Government and members of the public, whose timely and credible information remains invaluable in the fight against crime,” Ikoedem added.