Police rescue kidnapped farmer and his two wives; arrest eight suspects in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped farmer, his two wives and arrested eight suspected kidnappers during targeted intelligence and coordinated Bush Combing operations in Esan West and Owan West Local Government Areas. 

The spokesperson of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday said the successes are part of sustained security measures ordered by the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, to disrupt criminal networks and deny offenders safe haven across the state.

According to the PPRO, a distress call was received from Egoro Amende community, Ekpoma, reporting the abduction of the victims from their farm in a remote area. 

“On Wednesday, 28th January, 2026, at about 3:30 a.m., a coordinated bush-combing operation was carried out in Idoha/Ewu Forest and other identified hideouts, in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police. The operation comprised of command tactical teams, drone unit, Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and vigilante members,” the statement read. 

“Three tents suspected to be kidnappers’ camps were discovered during the exercise, leading to the arrest of eight suspects: Jokoro Sali ‘M’, aged 52 years; Buhari Ibrahim ‘M’, aged 32 years; Isah Abubakar ‘M’, aged 35 years; Shehu Ibrahim ‘M’, aged 25 years; Abdullahi Samar ‘M’, aged 18 years; Ibrahim Shaibu ‘M’, aged 19 years; Mohammed Joro ‘M’, aged 22 years; and Suleiman Sunana ‘M’, aged 35 years. Five mobile phones suspected to belong to Kidnapped victims were recovered. Investigation is ongoing to uncover the rest of the syndicate.

“On Thursday, 29th January, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m., a distress call was received from Egoro Amende Community, Ekpoma, reporting the abduction of a farmer and his two wives from their farm in a remote area of the community. The victims were identified as Abraham Udewa ‘m’, Brinda Abraham ‘f’, and Anna Abraham ‘f’, all from Benue State. 

“The Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma Division, promptly led a joint rescue team comprising police personnel, soldiers, Edo State Security Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and some community youths who are volunteers of the Community Safety Partnership program. Intensive search was conducted across Egoro Amende Forest, Igbira Farm Settlement, and Ekeke Erah Forest in Owan West Local Government Area. 

“Upon sighting the advancing security operatives, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled. The victims were rescued unhurt. Items recovered include cutlasses, a solar panel, torch, canvas, rope, palm oil, and a face cap. Continuous monitoring and follow-up bush-combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“The Edo State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to safeguard lives, protect critical infrastructures, and dismantle organised criminal networks within the state. 

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue to partner with the Police by providing timely and credible information that will aid proactive policing.”