The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 11 passengers who were among 18 kidnapped along the Benin–Akure highway near Obarenren village in Ovia North East Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the development on Monday in Benin City, explaining that the victims were abducted on December 12, 2025, when gunmen ambushed their vehicle and forced it to a halt at gunpoint.
According to Ikoedem, the police received a distress call immediately after the incident and mobilised a combined team of police operatives, army personnel, and local vigilante groups. The joint team combed the surrounding bush in search of the abducted passengers.
“On Sunday, 11 of the victims were rescued while seven others are still in the captivity of their abductors,” she said.
Recovered victims have since been reunited with their families, while security operatives continue intensive operations to secure the release of the remaining seven passengers.
ASP Ikoedem reassured residents that the command is doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of those still held by the kidnappers. She urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with credible information.
“The command remains committed to rescuing the remaining victims unharmed and sustaining the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities across Edo State,” she added.
