Police rescue GUO bus passengers, 4 others from kidnappers in Edo

By Ayox Ojo

Police said all victims abducted during the recent kidnapping incident involving Guo Transport company along the Benin–Lagos Expressway, Edo State, have been successfully rescued alive.

The Command also said it successfully rescued four other kidnapped victims abducted earlier this month and held in captivity within the Imiegba forest in Agenebode area of Edo State.

The rescue of the kidnapped victims was announced in a statement by the spokesperson of Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem on Friday.

Eno said a total of nine kidnapped victims were rescued by police operatives in the two operations through sustained pressure exerted by the police on their abductors.

Eno’s statement partly reads “This breakthrough was achieved following the immediate and massive deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, aerial surveillance, and other operational resources by the Commissioner of Police CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to the affected corridor.

“The sustained rescue efforts coordinated bush-combing operations, and strategic domination of the area exerted pressure on the kidnappers ultimately leading to the safe rescue of all victims. They have since received medical evaluation and treatment and reunited with their families.

“In a related development, the Command also successfully rescued four (4) other kidnapped victims who were abducted earlier this month and held in captivity within the Imiegba forest in Agenebode. They have likewise received medical attention and are safe, making a total of Nine (9) kidnapped victims rescued.”

The Edo State Police Command also reassured the public, particularly commuters and residents, that security deployment along the Benin–Lagos Expressway and adjoining communities has been significantly strengthened.

According to the statement, tactical, intelligence, and operational assets have been fully activated across the axis and will remain in place until the route is completely safe and secure for all road users.

Eno also said the Command is also intensifying efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. We are confident that all those involved will be tracked down and brought to justice in the shortest possible time.