The Edo State Police Command says its operatives have successfully foiled a ₦30 million ransom plot and rescued a 70-year-old abducted victim through a swift, and coordinated operation.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the state Command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday.
According to him, the incident was reported on 21 April 2026 at about 7:10am by the wife of Pa Jonah Owobu of Uwalo Oke, Uromi, who raised alarm after her husband failed to return from his farm the previous day.
She later received a call around 9:30pm from unknown individuals demanding a ransom of ₦30,000,000 for his release.
Acting immediately, the Divisional Police Officer in Amedokhian mobilised a joint team of police operatives, military personnel, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps to comb nearby forests in a search-and-rescue mission.
During the operation, the victim’s abandoned motorcycle and personal belongings were discovered along a forest path, providing critical leads that guided operatives deeper into the bush. The team eventually traced the kidnappers’ hideout.
On sighting the advancing operatives, the suspects fled into the bush, abandoning the victim, who was rescued unhurt and safely reunited with his family.
Security forces have since intensified bush combing efforts, with a manhunt underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other crimes, Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Monday Agbonika, assured residents of sustained security operations and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police.
