The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were kidnapped on Sunday, July 12, 2026. The operation, conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, July 14, 2026, resulted in the neutralization of one suspect and the arrest of another. The rescued students have been identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18; Favour Okoroje, 21; and Balogun Precious, 19.
Attack and Abduction
According to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. Armed men suspected to be kidnappers attacked the area, and during the assault, one student, Peter Ekpen Adolor, a 24-year-old 300-Level student of AAU, was shot in the abdomen after attempting to open a hostel gate to investigate a distress scream. He was rushed to Eguaven Hospital, Ekpoma, where he was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty. The attackers then abducted the three female students before fleeing into the nearby bush.
Joint Rescue Operation
The Commissioner of Police, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, stated that upon receiving the distress report, he immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams and nearby police divisions, including Ekpoma Division, for a joint rescue mission. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters. The team conducted coordinated bush-combing and intelligence-led operations aimed at rescuing the hostages unharmed and apprehending the perpetrators.
Gun Battle and Rescue
In the early hours of Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., the joint security team located the kidnappers’ hideout in Erah Forest. They engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle. The superior tactical response of the security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee. During the operation, the three kidnapped students were successfully rescued alive and rushed to the hospital for medical attention. One suspected kidnapper was neutralized, while another was apprehended with serious gunshot injuries.
Recovered Items
The operation also led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles with magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, one red cross bag, and one charger. The police confirmed that operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the notorious gang that specialized in kidnapping in Ekpoma and its environs.
Condolences and Commitment
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 commended the bravery, professionalism, and resilience of the operatives of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and the local hunters whose collective efforts made this successful operation possible. CP Agbonika also appreciated 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.
Reassurance to Residents
The Edo State Police Command wishes to reassure residents that operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals will continue with renewed intensity as the command remains firm in its resolve to ensure that every person involved in this heinous crime is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
